Ballads by the water

[wokaida]

The sky was clear save for a random, rather stray cloud crossing over the horizon. Thankfully that had also meant the weather was rather nice for a winter. Even though a thin blanket of snow covered the ground, the sun would not soon chase it away leaving the world in a brilliant white blanket. Water seemed solid almost unable to move through its course, save for the thin ribbon down its center. Even the wildlife in the area was extremely silent today, even for an early morning.

Standing by the shoreline a short girl stood blinking, her hazel eyes scanning over the water slowly as if searching for something. Her hair had been tied back into a long ponytail to keep it from running wild about her freckled face. A small smile played across her lips before they parted and closed again. Chehero had been so taken in by the sight of the water she found it breathtakingly beautiful. Not that anyone could really blame her. She had grown up in a forest, before moving to the harper hall. She had really never had time to watch the water before.

As if out of instinct Chehero's lips parted once again as a soft melody began forming out of them. She felt rather calm in the place she was standing, welcome as if this was the very place she belonged. An unfamiliar sound not to far off caused the young journeyman harper to stop singing, glancing curiously to the side. Her eyes narrowing in attempt at discovering the source of the strange noise.

Chehero carefully tilted her head to the side, "Who's there?" Her voice rang out, carefully taking a step forward on the strange ground.

[dragon]

"Just me." Emoyan had merely been walking down one of the paths through the forest, near the river, lost in thought for a time. Hearing someone singing however had drawn his attention so he'd left the path to make his way toward the water and the voice. He stopped several strides off and stuffed his fingers into his pockets to warm them up again. "I heard you singing... If that was you." He explained.

He was somewhat surprised to find one of the candidates out by the river what with it being as chilly as it was... was no place colder than the river, due to the humidity coming off it. But then, each to thier own. "What were you singing? I just heard your voice ... you've a good one." Emoyan said, before taking a few steps closer to the river and looking down at the water. Bouncing along on the ground, Voyager was chasing dead leaves that were being blown around by the small breezes.

"Are you liking the river?" He asked, conversationally. "It's a good place to swim, when the weather is warm."

[wokaida]

"Oh," Chehero seemed to give an odd sigh of relief, as she looked ahead towards Emoyan. Rather relieved to see it was only another human and not a raging feral bear or lynx. "I thought for a moment you were something else." She smiled lightly at Emoyan, careful to keep her smile slightly hidden in case he would be displeased by her apparent delight of the surrounding area. "Why yes, that was me. I am sorry if I bothered you with it." The candidate quickly apologized, pulling her eyebrows together at his compliment. Most people didn't compliment Chehero on her voice, let alone compliment her in general.

Blinking twice at the question about her song, Chehero paused. She hadn't put a name to the song's that seemed to pop in and out of her head. It wasn't one she had learned at the Harper's hall, but some of the melodies were familiar. Feeling a slight breeze against her back, Chehero shivered but tried her best to hide it. "Thank you, sir." She finally said, feeling rather embarrassed to be speaking with the candidate master so far from the weyr. "But the song doesn't have a name, not yet anyways."

Moving her hand to feel for her missing instrument Chehero felt a pain of guilt, she had accidentally left it back in her barrack. Shifting her head in the same direction as her hand as a double checking measure her eyes were caught by the bouncing Firelizard. The corners of her lips twisting up to chuckle at the carefree attitude of the flitt. Wasn't to long before she found her attention once again drifting back towards Emoyan as he began asking her about the river. Blinking twice she glanced off back in the direction the man was looking.

"I do love the water." She broke off her voice growing softer as she spoke about things she enjoyed. It hadn't always been smart to let people know things she liked, some managed to take advantage of that and turn it against her. Swimming on the other hand she didn't know much about, considering it was a rare view for her to see such a lively flow of water.

[dragon]

"Something else ... a very good concern to have, actually. Wandering around alone is generally frowned upon. Not even riders wander alone most of the time." He told her, though he wasn't scolding in the slightest. Most riders usually had thier dragons with them, and that counted for a lot, so far as felines went. The wildlife was a bit sluggish in moving around in the cold, however. Thankfully. Because they were also usually hungrier.

"No, you didn't bother me. If you had, I'd have gone the other way." He gestured loosely back at the path. "Instead of coming closer." He shrugged slightly, stuffing his fingers back into his pocket where it was warm. "No name... a new tune?" He asked. "Interesting. New tunes can be fun ... even if you're the only one to ever enjoy them." Emoyan had made quite a lot of new tunes himself ... though most of them never left his own quartering. "Do you play as well as sing?"

Voyager scurried across the ground, wings waving to keep balance as he chased a particularly red leaf. Finally catching it, he fluted his victory and flew up to Emoyan's shoulder with it. Perching there, he wrapped his cold little tail around the man's neck, making him jump and flinch. Reaching up, he tried to loosen that long cold thing from around his throat. Neverminding Emoyan, Voyager peeped, and leaned sideways, offering the leaf to Chehero as if it was the bestest shiny thing ever.

"Faranth, Voy! Why do you have to do this?" Emoyan complained, tugging at the strong little tail. "Cold!" Finally getting free of the bronze's tail, he held the appendage in his hands for a while to warm it up before allowing him to grab hold of his neck again. "Water can be fun. Just be careful with it. If you ever get a notion to play in it - when it's warmer of course - be sure to be downstream of the waterfall. Not above it. So there's no danger of going over." He cautioned.

[wokaida]

Relaxing somewhat at the knowledge she wasn't really bothering the man, Chehero as he asked her if the song was a new tune. Indeed, one she had been working on but couldn't seem to find either the right tone or right wording. Her eyes wandered back towards the water during the small break in conversation only to be brought quickly back as he asked if she also played. "Yes, I can play every string instrument and some wind." She nodded wondering why someone would ask that, most people in the weyr seemed to automatically assume all Harper's could both sing and play. "But I'm afraid I can't play for you now sir, I have forgotten my instruments back in my barrack."

A small breeze had picked up once again sending a few strands of air into her face, showing no irritation towards the moment. Chehero brushed the strands back behind her left ear, some of her hair was just to short to fit into her ponytail. Finding it almost rather useless to have them tied back in the first place. Watching Voyager's antics with rising interest Chehero found herself resisting the urge to giggle. She hadn't seen any of Emoyan's companions in the previous times she had meet with him, so she couldn't help but wonder if secretly he had more. "Is he your only small companion?" She asked pointing to Voyager.

Chehero stood there thinking, she doubted she would get the notion to really play in the water. Considering she seemed more relaxed to just sit on the side and sing, while others sent their times flopping around. "What brings you so far out this way anyways?" She finally asked, looking back off towards the tree line. She herself had only come out here for inspiration and to clear her mind from the excitement of being well... a candidate.

[dragon]

"I see. That's a nice range to be able to play." Emoyan remarked. "And that's alright … I didn't expect you would have dragged an instrument out here. Between the cold and the humidity … it wouldn't have been very good. Either de tuned, or completely fogged up." He mused, before shrugging. "I tend to leave mine indoors if I can help it … helps it stay tuned better, if it doesn't go through extreme temperatures. And down here by the river, the air is wetter … not really good for a musical piece."

Emoyan grimaced slightly, as Voyager started waving the leave around, apparently intent that she take it. "Ah … no. I have another flitter. Thankfully, Rascal has calmed down as he aged … Voyager here is still young enough to be more mischief than anything else, really. I am hoping he settles down a great deal soon. He's awfully silly, for being a bronze." He remarked. Tired of the leave-waving, Emoyan reached up and took the piece. But that rather upset Voyager into a fit of scolding. Rolling his eyes, he gave the leaf back to the bronze, who promptly went right back to trying to give it to Chehero.

What brought him out here? "Well … I used to walk along the river a lot. And it's a habit that I've stayed with, I guess, even now that I do it alone. It's peaceful… allows for thought. Therapeutic, I guess you could call it. That and getting out every now and then keeps one from getting the cooped-up sicknesses that tend to go around in the colder months." It was a trick he'd used regularly when he still lived in the North, where it was considerably damper and colder for longer. And it worked just as well in the south as it had in the north. But he wasn't going to talk about that … he didn't talk about the north at all, much less with candidates. That was a sore subject for a lot of people.

[wokaida]

"Yes, I guess I wasn't thinking. That must have been why I left it back in my barrack." Chehero had been feeling rather flustered, since coming to the weyr. Having expected a rather different turn in events. Not this. Watching the fire lizard continue to move his head around as he held the leaf she watched him in confusion completely distracted from anything Emoyan was currently saying. Blinking her eyes as she finally caught onto the fact it was her, the small flit was trying to give the small leaf to. Eventually reaching out in acceptance of the young bronze's gift Chehero nodded her thanks, wishing she had something to give him.

Still watching the bronze carefully in case he got irritated with her outstretched hand she shivered again. "Yes being cooped up really can't be good for one person. Stale air is horrible for the lungs and only brings headaches and sluggish thoughts." Chehero seemed to be speaking from experience, after all she herself had spent many days inside. Mostly while she was copying down notes or transferring music from one sheet to another. Until recently she had rarely been permitted outside the walls.

Chehero would have normal flinched at the mention of the north, if it had not been for the fact she spent most of her childhood and youth busy. Like her mother Chehero had become a hard working during those years. Flexing the fingers in her extended hand, Chehero couldn't help but wonder how the sunnier month's where like here. "How old is Voyager?" Chehero asked curiously, rubbing the end of her shoe into the dirt to keep her feet moving so they didn't get cold.

[dragon]

Voyager peeped encouragingly, and carefully laid his leaf in her palm. Retreating back to his own self, he sat on Emoyan's shoulder with all four feet together, wings closed around his body to retain heat. Apparently he really sincerely wanted her to have that all-important leaf!

Emoyan merely chuckled, and shook his head. "Voyager is an adult flitter. He just doesn't much act like it yet. He's already been chasing Queens, if that gives you any idea. If you want an exact date? I don't remember it off the top of my head."

"You look like you're getting chilled. Maybe you ought to head in?" Emoyan asked. He would accompany her back, merely to make sure she got there in one peice and with no holes punched in her for the effort. "Next time you come out, make sure you have enough layers, alright? Your nose is turning colors." He paused for a moment, and then shrugged. "I have a new hand harp back at the barracks. Would you like to give it a try?"

[wokaida]

Rather taken for surprise by the friendly actions of the flit. Carefully holding the leaf in her hand so she wouldn't crush it, she felt even worse for not having a gift in return. He sure did act odd in her opinion, not that it accounted for much. Fire lizards were not a common sight and when she had seen one. They were so busy they didn't notice her or, she hadn't taken notice of them. Either way she didn't have much contact with the tiny versions of the large dragons. But the fact that Voyager was old enough to chase just made him odd.

Touching the end of her nose upon hearing it was turning colors, she covered it with her warm hand before lowering to blow hot breath. Warming her hand up she promptly covered her nose, just so it would turn back to its normal color. "Maybe heading in would be a wise thing to do." Chehero agreed starting her trip back towards the barracks. Thankfully they weren't really that far away, at least it hadn't seemed that far when she was walking out here.

Turning swiftly on her feet at the mention of a hand harp, Chehero dropped her hand brightening at the thought of playing an instrument. "Oh course." She spluttered forgetting her place and drawing quiet once more. She loved to play, and sing. She found it a great comfort in music whether she had written it, or whether she was just learning something new. Music had always been something she found comfort in.

[dragon]

Emoyan nodded, and followed after Chehero got started back toward the barracks. "Should be some warm Klah waiting on the hearth there." Emoyan mentioned, suddenly deciding he'd like some of that himself ... maybe he'd been out long enough today. He rubbed his hands together for a moment, and put them around Voyager's tail for a bit to try and warm the appendage for the poor creature. And then he breathed on them and stuffed them back into his pockets as he walked down the trail.

Emoyan laughed at her enthusiasm at the mention of a hand harp. "Sure thing. I'll just fetch it out of my office, and we'll see what kind of tunes you can do, okay?" He offered, as Voyager snuggled down into the side of his neck. He really was too large to do something like that, but it didn't stop the flitter from trying. It was Voyager's first winter, and he didn't seem to understand - or like - the cold at all. Didn't stop him from goofing off, however.

[wokaida]

The notion of warm Klah almost seemed to make the girl pick up her pace in order to reach the warm drink back at the barracks. She had been outside for quite some time and even though she didn't mentally feel the cold she most likely felt it deep within her skin. And would be shivering once they reached the warmth of the housing. Glancing back behind her see Emoyan warm Voyagers tail up she smiled lightly. He sure did seem caring when it came to the rather small Fire lizard. Rubbing her fingers together in front of her Chehero blew into them as well. It would be a few moments before she would be able to play once they got inside, her fingers where numb and swollen from the cold.

Reaching the front door Chehero pushed through, holding the door open for Emoyan to proceed. Shivering lightly as he mentioned playing tunes. She seemed to brighten a little at the very prospect of playing a new instrument. Though the thought of why the candidate master had one seemed to make her curious. Not many people would carry and instrument with them or even store one in their room, or office as Emoyan seemed to have. Rubbing her hands together she waited till he passed by before she proceeded to search out a mug of klah. The heat from the drink would both warm her hands and her insides into playing. "I'll wait here for you then?" She motioned towards a chair in the far end of the room.

[dragon]

Emoyan followed her in through the door, and then nodded simply as he closed the door, making sure it closed completely so as to keep all the warmth in. The air felt really good, after the chill from outside. Though no doubt in a few minutes it would stop feeling quite so warm. As soon as the door closed, Voyager launched from his shoulder and flew toward the hearth. Lighting upon a chair back, he chirped down at Rascal, who was slumbering away on the chair seat below. The brown completely ignored the bronze, basking in the warm glow of the coals in the hearth.

Emoyan shed his coat as he walked toward his office. Dissappearing inside, he hung the coat on a hook, and picked up the little hand harp. Snagging a drum as well on a spur of the moment notion, he carried them both back out into the common room. "Here you go." He said, handing her the harp before moving to pour a mug of klah for himself. "This smells good." Emoyan mentioned, before taking a seat and sipping some of it, the drum resting on the floor at his feet.

Since Rascal was ignoring him, Voyager fluttered over toward Chehero and stuffed his snout into her mug with a burbled cheep. Unexpectedly dunking his snout, he jerked back, and shook his head, blubbering.

[wokaida]

Warming her hands on the mug of Klah Chehero smiled, it felt good to be inside after the rather long hours she had spent out by the water. Watching Voyager as he moved towards another flit who was resting by a warm fire. Chehero assumed that had to be the other flit Emoyan had mentioned while they were still outside. Shifting her eyes around the empty chairs she finally selected one against the far wall. That way if others came into the room she would be less likely to bother them being out of the way.

Sipping at her Klah before placing it on the table, Chehero looked back towards the direction the candidate master had gone. Smiling faintly when he emerged with a small hand harp and moving to find himself a mug of Klah. Striking a few cords Chehero was pleased, the instrument had been treated extremely well. Closing her eyes as her fingers found their way flowing from one cord to the next. It sounded amazing! Opening her eyes to take slight notice of the drum by the candidate masters feet Chehero smiled rather lost in the thought of a song.

Striking another cord Chehero found herself rather surprised when Voyager had started blubbering. Had he just dunked his head into her Klah? what a silly lizard. And then the song came to her, she would sing about the fire lizards. Letting her fingers move over the hand harp Chehero stuck the proper cords, opening her mouth to let the song travel about the room

The little queen all golden
Flew hissing at the sea.
To stop each wave
Her clutch to save
She ventured bravely.

As she attacked the sea in rage
A holderman came nigh
Along the sand
Fishnet in hand
And saw the queen midsky.

He stared at her in wonder
For often he'd been told
That such as she
Could never be
Who hovered there, bright gold.

He saw her plight and quickly
He looked up the cliff he faced
And saw a cave
Above the wave
In which her eggs he placed.

The little queen all golden
Upon his shoulder stood
her eyes all blue
Glowed of her true
Undying gratitude.

Smiling as she lowered the harp, glancing at the man in front of her Chehero lowered her gaze apologetically. "Sorry E'yan I-I should have asked what you would have liked to hear instead."

[dragon]

As he drank his klah, Emoyan watched as she lit up when fingers touched strings, and then listened with interest as she began to sing to her own playing. It was very interesting to listen to, and also to note how well she played and sang... with no real prompting, even. Just an instrument.

Emoyan smiled slightly when she finished, and shook his head. "No, that was good. I don't mind what you do. But that was very very good." He replied, setting down his mug and scooping up his drum. "With some more training, I think you'll do right nice by music. Nice voice for it, at any rate." Emoyan complimented. He tapped on the drum a few times, getting a feel for it. The drum and the hand harp were both new instruments, having been purchased at the last gather. And he listened to it a moment as he tapped on it before figuring how best to use it. Though passable, he was not the best drummer out there. From sheer practice alone, he was best at his gitar. Yet even so, it was a simple task to beat a rhythm and sing a tune. And he had a fine voice for singing, even without his gitar.

"Wheel and turn
Or bleed and burn.
Fly between,
Blue and green.
Soar, dive down,
Bronze and brown
Dragonmen must fly
When Threads are in the sky."

It was a short song, but one he was pretty sure every starting Harper would know, so that she could join in with it if she wanted.