Who

Amani, Diem, Eryzz, R'zel

What

A couple goldriders, a bronzerider and a harper converge on the Treble Clef for some light entertainment

When

It is midmorning of the first day of the tenth month of the fourteenth turn of the 12th pass.

Where

Treble Clef, Southern Weyr

OOC Date 16 Aug 2018 04:00

 

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"This is my leave-Nasrin-alone-and-find-somewhere-else-to-be look."


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Treble Clef

This is a place of idyll repose, a place of music, a place of soul: no liquor finds the tables of this endeavor, nor does darts nor dragonpoker. This is a place for the Harper's soul to rest, with hearty fare served to a degree of sophistication higher than the kitchens in the weyr proper, if for a price… but the draw of it is no doubt the open platform front-and-center, where a bar would likely stand. The Treble Clef does not deal in alcohol, but it does promote the artistry of amateurs and Harpers alike in the well-outfit stage for those to entertain those who stop to sup within these gently-outfitted walls.


At the desert Weyr, Rajakhelath's hiney is looking veryyy shiney these days — especially today for some reason. Which means that Diem and Zsaviranth have decided to stay away from Igen as the junior queen holds court for the foreseeable future. They left during a sandstorm and arrived during a thunderstorm, which means that Diem didn't have much time to linger outside at all. In fact, she ran toward the nearest shelter when a flash of lightning lit up the grey sky so, needless to say, she's not looking her pristine best. Dressed in her riding leathers, the Senior Weyrwoman steps through the doors of the Treble Clef looking a bit out of place (maybe it's the triple string of pearls around her neck and booted heels that give her away) (orrr the very big knot on her shoulder).

From the platform, a delicate melody plain on the guitar drifts over the patrons of the Treble Clef, played by a black haired Jr. Journeyman Harper. Dressed in a smart pale blue tunic under a vest made of black and silver brocade, and black linen pants to match, the shock of longish hair falls over Eryzz's face as he sings softly along to his playing. A ballad of a young man, travelling far from home for the first time, trying to find his place in the word, he plays as if to a full Gather, not the handfull of customers in who currently are there.

Big knots aren't out of place! Though big knots sporting Igen yellow rather than Southern green might be. Amani doesn't frequent the Treble Clef, but every now and then the atmosphere suits her better than elsewhere, and today is apparently one of those days. Or Zymuraith may have tipped the junior Weyrwoman off to the direction Diem went after Zsaviranth landed. Perhaps it's a combination of the two. Clad in leathers and looking somewhat damp herself (and tired), Amani makes her way into the Treble Clef, her attention immediately arrested by the Harper with the guitar. She drifts further in, listening, before remembering why she's here in the first place. It doesn't take long to spot Diem, a tilted bit of a smile curving her lips as she draws nearer. "Is this your usual look for Threadfall, too, Weyrwoman?" she greets by way of somewhat teasing question, giving the other woman a quick salute.

Diem stands near the doorway for a moment, her weight shifted onto one leg as the other bends slightly with her booted heel lifting from the ground. Tawny colored eyes scan the room for vacant seating and when she spots a table it doesn't take her long to venture toward it. As she does, she regards the singing Harper with a smile and decides to select the table near the platform just as Southern's junior enters the Clef. "I usually like to wear brighter colors during Threadfall." Diem says, gesturing to her dark blue shirt as she unbuttons her riding jacket. "This is my leave-Nasrin-alone-and-find-somewhere-else-to-be look." Clearly jesting, the Senior sheds her jacket and hangs it over the back of a chair before regarding the fellow goldrider with a smile. "Good seeing you, Amani. How're things?"

Letting his grey eyes wander, they settle on the two Weyrwomen, and Eryzz slightly adjusts his posture to be a little straighter. A smile on his lips as he finishes off the rest of his song with increased flair, the harper rises from his stool and takes a little bow, inclining in the direction of Diem and Amani in particular, before vacating the platform in favor of an older apprentice with a fiddle. The young woman takes up a sprightly tune as Eryzz wanders over to fetch himself a glass of water, feeling particularly parched after his set.

"Does wearing brighter colors help?" It's only half teasing; maybe it really does make a difference that Amani hasn't considered. "Good to see you too, Diem." Her expression over the matter of Nasrin is knowing, as is the nod that accompanies it. "Things are going well. Save for Mayte being away more and more often." Which might explain the junior Weyrwoman's somewhat worn-around-the-edges look. The Harper leaving the stage catches her eye, and once he's wandered close enough, she comments, "That was beautifully done."

Diem flicks some long dark hair behind her shoulder as she takes a seat at the table, her pearls standing out against the dark coloring of her shirt. "I'm fond of bright, fiery colors. Yellows, oranges, reds…" She wavers a bit. "Unfortunately, I don't want to attract the attention today." Especially since those very colors are Rajakhelath's favorites, too. And the last thing she wants to do is irritate the proddy queen — hence this impromptu trip to Southern in dark blue! Eryzz merits a nod as he walks by, "Yes. I agree. What's your name so that I may sing your praises to the Weyrharper?"

The door opens to admit R'zel. Ocelot's wingleader looks as if he has nothing dragon-related in mind this lunchtime: he's dressed for slightly better weather than the day has actually produced, but there's no trace of leathers in his garb. He's also carrying a gitar case. He watches the fiddle-player for a few moments before having a brief conversation at the bar, then finds himself a table, which happens to be close to the two goldriders. He leans his instrument on the nearest wall and returns to the bar to secure a mug of some yellowish juice before taking his seat, nodding to the two weyrwomen before he sits. "Good afternoon."

Eryzz is surprised by the compliments he gets, weaving through the tables with his glass of water to his lips, sipping slowly as he dips his head a little sheepishly. Setting the glass down on a nearby table, he gives a proper bow to Diem and Amani, a warm smile for them both as he straightens, "Many thanks Ma'ams, I am Junior Journeyman Eryzz. I mostly work in the Archives but every so often I pull out my guitar. It's always nice to play for such an appreciative and prestigious audience." His grey eyes dance playfulyl as he looks up and spies the Wingleader with a gitar case, his interest piqued. "Good day, Wingleader," he replies respectfully.

"Always a harder undertaking for the likes of us," Amani says of not attracting attention before returning hers to the Harper. R'zel's arrival draws her gaze for a moment. "Afternoon, R'zel," she answers, and spies the curiosity with which Eryzz eyes the case the wingleader carries. "Wingleader R'zel was also a Harper," she informs the junior journeyman. "He showed me a few basic about reading music. Though I haven't had much time to keep up with that, unfortunately." So much else comes first.

"Ohh, an archivist?" Diem asks Eryzz, smiling brightly at the Harper. "I'm Diem." Her knot should give away the rest. It doesn't appear that the goldrider will be ordering anything to eat or drink, which could mean that she's not planning to stay for very long. Either way, the Senior motions for Amani to join her at the table just as a familiar looking wingleader makes his way over. "R'zel!" Clearly, Diem recognizes the Ocelot rider from one of her previous visits at Southern the way she perks up at the sight of him. "I didn't know you played." That, of course, is said after she observes the instrument case. "Might you know any Fortian ballads?" Diem, shameless. Then to Amani, "Story of our lives. Not having enough time."

R'zel used to play in the Treble Clef fairly regularly at one stage, but since he's been Wingleader, his visits have been few and far between, and visits with instruments involved even fewer. Hearing what Eryzz says, he returns the harper's greeting with a smile. "Well met, Journeyman. Have I just missed your set?" He expands his attention to include Diem and Amani as he continues, "It's a while since I was a harper - and I got Searched before I got as far as making journeyman, which was probably as fortunate for the Harper Hall as it was for me. I used to know quite a lot of Fortian ballads, growing up there, but I don't really sing these days - the gitar was my best thing."

"Oh you were?" Eryzz asks with a grin as he looks over at the bronzerider, "I see we have the same taste in instruments," he remarks before settling at the table he set his glass on. "Yes, I was just taking a much needed break and something to whet my throat, singing is dry work." To Diem's query he nods his head, "Indeed I am. And it's pleasure to meet you Weyrwoman Diem." Picking his glass up for another long sip, he settles back in his chair, eyes drifting to the playing of the apprentice, a bit of a wince at a sour note, but offers an encouraging smile when she quickly rallies.

Amani nods ruefully at Diem's last before tuning in to the exchange between Harpers both existing and erstwhile. There's a bit of a chuckle for the bronzerider. "Surely you weren't that bad, R'zel," she opines with a grin, settling in the chair to Diem's left. "It's been interesting, learning how different even the music is in different parts of the world," she observes in the wake of talk about Fortian works. "Between here and Igen has been a greatly noticeable difference. Ista has its own flavor, and Benden. I don't think I've heard much from Fort yet; I haven't been there but a few times."

"I do love Harpers." Diem seems to have an appreciation for the craft and it shows the way she smiles at Eryzz and R'zel. There's a lingering pause as she seems to suddenly and silently commune with her lifemate — apparently she's being summoned to the council chamber to meet with Leadership (hopefully with Va'os because he's a cutie patootie). "Well, my friends, I need to take my leave. I will be around for the next… well. For a while." However long Rajakhelath needs, right? The goldrider stands up from her seat and grabs her riding jacket that's slung over the back of her chair, shrugging it on as she bids farewell to those around the table. "I'm sure I will see you all again, yes? Thank you for the company!" It doesn't take long for the Senior to venture out of the Clef soon after that last is said.

R'zel chuckles at Amani's remark, but then Diem is leaving. "Clear skies, Weyrwoman." When she's gone, he turns back to Amani and says, in a tone of rueful amusement, "You'd have to ask my stepfather about my… qualities as an apprentice, but if I do a set this lunchtime, I'll throw in a couple of Fort ballads." He takes a sip of his juice and turns slightly in his chair so that he can see her and Eryzz more easily and also watch the fiddle-player.

"It's true, music is often influenced by the part of the world it's from," Eryzz replies with a smile in Amani's direction. "I've not been to Igen yet, but I hear it's got a sound all it's own. Would love to visit sometime." He chuckles at R'zel's self-deprecation, "Well maybe we'll see then if you take your turn on the platform, I don't think I've heard any Fortian specific tunes for awhile, certainly not since apprenticeship." At Diem's departure, he bows his head respetfully in her direction, "Have a wonderful day Weyrwoman."

"Clear skies, Diem! You know how to find me if you need to," Amani calls after the visiting goldrider before smirking at R'zel's answer. To Eryzz, she nods eagerly. "Do go, if you can. Go listen to the musicians in the caravans, especially the Zingari. And the Bazaar. You'll hear things I'd be willing to bet you don't hear often at your Hall." She then pauses a moment, a telling vagueness entering her gaze, and sighs heavily. "What's the saying? 'No rest for the wicked?'" Pushing to her feet, she smiles apologetically at Eryzz and R'zel. "I will hear you both play someday. Maybe we'll even have an excuse to showcase you soon." With that cryptic bit of information imparted, the junior goldrider pushes in her chair and refastens her jacket. "Good day and clear skies, gents. Duty calls." It calls her right out the door at a quick clip, in fact.

"Clear skies, Amani." With the second goldrider gone, R'zel settles more firmly into his chair, apparently entirely happy to talk music for once. "Igenite music does have some distinctive tones to it. I visit over there from time to time, usually when it's too hot to live here and freezing there, and it's always interesting. I mean, you hear all the standard stuff from the harpers, but some of the caravan folk are entertainers, and they're worth a listen."

"Good day ma'am," Eryzz calls as he watches Amani leave, his posture relaxing slightly as he slumps into his chair a bit more comfortably. "Not every day you see a couple weyrwomen in this place," he remarks with an easy grin before picking up his water anew to take a sip. As R'zel elaborated on Igen, he raises one eyebrow quizzically, "Caravans you say? Like Traders? That might be worth a trip, would be interested to see how non-harpers do it. Entertain that is. So did you get plucked out of the Hall on Search? I've known some apprentices I came up with who that happened to." He tries not to show too much regret at not having been one of those, what little boy doesn't dream of possibly being chosen for Search one day.

"Lots of traders, yes, but some are also entertainers - singing, dancing, juggling, you name it." R'zel gives a sympathetic nod at the mention of others getting Searched. "Me too, one or two - but they never picked me while I was at the Hall. Morcom - Master Morcom's my stepfather - he decided I needed some real world experience. Or possibly to get out of his hair, or both - and he fixed me up a posting to Southern Barrier Hold, which is pretty much as far from Fort as you can get." Master Morcom is a composition master who is not known around the Hall for his sympathetic disposition or his understanding of young people. "And I'd been there three days when the Search dragons arrived, and here I am! I was a Senior Apprentice - I'd probably have walked the tables within the year, but I was't ever going to go far as a harper. Dragonriding suits me better."

Looking interested at the idea of traders as entertainers, Eryzz makes a mental note to finangle some reason to go and check out the desert Weyr for himself. Listening to R'zel tell his tale, he only interupts to blink in shock, "Master Morcom is your step-father?" He whistles appreciatively under his breath, "He's a prickly one. Thankfully they learned pretty early that I wasn't too keen on composition, so didn't deal with him too much." He lets R'zel finish and then grins, "Well then it seems to have all worked out for you well. Life seems to see us exactly where we need to be," he remarks rather poetically.

"Fortunately, Mother kept him off my back quite a bit. Her area's education - Master Ronica. She's not been a Master long, though." R'zel nods his agreement to the harper's sentiment. "It did turn out well. I like being in the South, too - though my father's a brownrider at Telgar. A typical, complicated, dragonrider family!" Changing tack, "So how long have you been at Southern? Were you posted somewhere else before you came here?"

"Me? I came here fresh from walking the tables about…" Eryzz looks to the ceiling as he considers, "Two and a half Turns now I suppose, doesn't seem like that long but there you have it. So yeah, this is my first posting, liking it so far. Not terribly different from where I grew up near Southern Boll." Talk of complicated families earns the bronzerider a strained smile as he finishes off his water in one final gulp. "Wouldn't know about dragonrider families, was just me and my ma till I went away to apprentice."

"Boll - oh, you're used to tropical weather, then, though I don't think they get a winter like ours here, do they?" The violinist seems to be drawing to a close, and R'zel glances over in her direction. "It sounds as if she's wrapping up. I did actually come down to do a set, so if you don't mind…?" He reaches for his gitar case.

"Not really all the rain, so that's different," Eryzz replies, his gaze following R'zel's to the apprentice finishing her set. With a smile, he nods, "Of course, don't let me keep you. I want to hear for myself if you are as bad as you think." Chuckling, he goes to fetch another glass of water before settling in to watch the bronzrider play.

R'zel removes his gitar from its case and tunes it. When the apprentice leaves the stage, he takes her place and starts to play. He is, in fact, not at all as bad as he might have implied. He takes his instrument seriously and practises regularly, and it shows. He also gets totally wrapped up in his performance, which means that Eryzz is going to be totally ignored until he's finished!

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