Is it too much to ask? (Open)

[Rowana]

Was it too much to ask for a little warning? Everyone expected a great Hatching Feast, but did anyone think to tell Hoayamae when the eggs were hatching? The Candidates and Riders all got to hear first, and that was fine, but Mae sometimes wished someone would tell her too. It took a lot of work to get a Feast together on short notice, especially when eggs hatched at odd hours. Mae needed to get her staff together, get supplies, and cook everything within a few hours. She wanted it to be perfect too. It wasn't everyday dragon's impressed.

Oh well, she'd been here her whole life, and she knew that wasn't likely to change. She managed well enough every time, despite her grumping. G'tor, thoughtful man, had even thought to bring her some fresh fish from his family's boat. Mae circled the kitchen, checking that everything was going well. Meat was roasting, rolls were baking, and fish was grilling. One of her helpers was busy putting together a row of bubbly pies for desert.

One of the other problems with Hatching Feasts was being short handed. Usually she had Candidates to help her with preparations, but they were all understandably busy. Mae limped over to one of the large pots and stirred one of the stews. She sniffed, frowned, and added a bit more spice. Nhim fluttered on her shoulder, pacing excitedly. So much activity had him very cheerful.

"You could make yourself useful," she scolded gently. Nhim chirped hopefully. Mae sighed. "No I don't know how, yah little pest," she replied fondly. The little fellow was just too small to do much beyond grace her with his presence, but it was nice to have such willing company. "Why don't yah go see how the Hall looks? I don't want this meal to be late!" Nhim chirped affirmative and wing off towards the Main Hall. Now then, Mae trundle over to see how the pies were doing.

[kat]

He hadn't Impressed but he wasn't sorry. Eight new Weyrlings was not a whole lot. He was content to stand again, content and feeling comfortable enough enjoying life as a candidate. After watching the girl whom he'd known to have stood at least four or five times finally Impress had really settled the matter. He would stay until he was unable to stand. Then, if he had not Impressed he might even try for a wher. Or he could go back to the family caravan. While he was here he would attempt to make himself useful and get used to the fact that this was his home. Useful meant he could do more than his routine chores. They weren't a lot to do, and he had a lot of spare time. Today was as good a day as any.

As he walked towards the kitchens he brooded silently. He might come out of this all with a firelizard or salamandyr. Wouldn't that be nice? He thought so. T'lor said it was his people skills that needed the most work. He had to agree that he wasn't exactly social. Not anti-social. He didn't avoid people and he was civil enough when he was dealing with them. Just that he didn't have a single person he could call friend here and he'd been here a few months already. Maybe he ought to be bothered by that but he wasn't. A Weyr was such a communal group anyhow. But T'lor had insisted that he at least make a half attempt at getting to actually know someone. Beyond a random conversation, beyond a name, a face and random tidbits of information. Maybe T'lor had a point.

He entered the kitchens in time to see someone who was obviously working on prepping the feast. He had no clue who she was but she might need help. Everyone looked so busy that he was pretty sure an extra pair of hands would not go unwanted. So he strode over to where Mae was because she was the closest and the first he'd noticed. Now what? He cleared his throat and then spoke up softly--but not so quietly he wasn't audible.

"Excuse me, Miss. Might I be able to help in the preparations?" This was a start. He probably did not really realize that a part of him wanted to be a useful member of the Weyr. Caravan work was something where everyone pulled their weight and was useful. He'd gotten to the point where it wasn't enough for him anymore to be here and just maintain his bunk and do minor chores. The chores took up a few hours best. Depending on how swiftly you worked--and he worked swiftly since he concentrated only on the task at hand to the exclusion of anything else--it could be only a couple hours. Really he needed to feel more fulfilled than this. He just didn't know it yet.

[Rowana]

Hoayamae was far too busy to notice an extra body entering her kitchen. At least not until the boy spoke to her. She raised an eyebrow, looking him over critically. She was pretty sure he was a Candidate, which meant he hadn't Impressed. Still, he didn't look all that bothered about it. So many Candidates grew depressed or discouraged over one little Hatching. It was good to see one taking it so well. He was quite polite too, which pleased Mae. She believed in rewarding good work. Maybe she'd let him sneak some tasty snack when they were done.

"Miss, eh?" she chuckled. "I can hardly remember the last time anyone called me that." She sniffed at one of the pies and checked it was filled correctly. Her helpers were skilled, but it never hurt to be certain. Nodding with approval, she waved at the girl to start putting the pies in the oven. "'Course you can help," Mae agreed readily. "I never turn down willing hands." She led him over to one of the sinks, next to which was a basket full of fresh greens. "These need washing," she pointed at the greens. "Just rinse off all the dirt and pass them to me so I can make us a nice salad." She moved to the counter next to the sink, and started sharpening on of the knives.

[kat]

Mihkal allowed a slight upturn at the corner of his mouth. It was true that not many people he'd met here stuck to polite formalities such as 'Sir' or 'Miss'. Still it was a good habit to keep to show respect to people you didn't really know. Somberly he recalled that this encompassed just about everyone. Sure he knew the primary names and faces of people of importance. Remembered many names of people he'd held short conversation with or had met. But that wasn't knowing a person. He hadn't known who would Impress and would wouldn't. He'd reasoned that there was no real point in getting to know his fellow candidates over much. After all many of them had Impressed and left him back in the barracks the first time. Now it was the second time and well, he figured he was right. Still it was a bit of a lonesome existence. Maybe time for a change?

"All right," he replied, turning on the water and beginning the job of washing the basket full of leafy greens. He liked the feel of doing something with his hands. He really had been decent at preparing food back when he'd been with the caravan. He could enjoy the texture of the fresh food he was working with and before long he was well on his way through the basket. When busy he could almost forget there were others in the busy kitchens with him. However as someone passed by and lightly brushed his shirt he was shaken from his reverie long enough to remember he was not. Clearing his throat he glanced over at the woman who he'd offered to help.

"I'm Mihkal," he suddenly blurted out, not quite sure why he did--or why it would even matter. He was here to help, not to introduce himself. Maybe it was the prior thoughts on his anti-social behavior that caused the outburst. Maybe it was just being in a place with lots of people and not knowing any of them. He wasn't nearly busy enough with his chores as a Candidate. Maybe he could offer to help out sometimes here? Working with food was nice. Peaceful, even. It reminded him of 'home', proverbially speaking.

[Rowana]

Hoayamae went back and forth as the boy worked, continuing to check on the doings of the others even as she came back to cut greens. She was in more of a hurry than usual, since she wanted to see the Auction later. She had a few marks saved up, and it could be worth it to get some time to herself. Besides, it was for a good cause. "Hoayamae," she supplied in answer to his own name. "It's a mouthful," she admitted ruefully. "Mae will do." Her mother had liked long names, forgetting that female riders didn't get them shortened like males. Not that Mae had ever Impressed, but she didn't regret that anymore. This life suited her just fine.

"You work quick, Mihkal," Mae went on with approval, putting the finishing touches on a bowl of salad. "No luck at the Hatching?" she guessed. He wouldn't be here otherwise. The new werylings were all far too busy with their dragons. Still, she hoped he would Impress someday. He had good sense and the Weyr needed rider's with good sense.