Lunchbreak (Open)

[E]

Somadin had a small plate of food, his appetite never truly matching those of his larger counterparts, that he balanced gingerly in on hand as his other held the cup of fruit juice he preferred to that bitter tasting Klah. He honestly didn’t think he’d ever understand what the adults seemed to love about that drink. Moving toward the candidate table, Somadin recognized a few faces, but as of yet had not had the chance to really talk to any of them. He had exchanged a few words with that Kess girl when he had meet Trevan, the boy from outside the Weyr. Beyond that, however, the entire candidate class seemed to politely forget his existence during lessons and chores. Honestly, he wasn’t that short and easy to over look… was he?

Moving to the empty end of the table, the small boy took a seat. Setting down his plate and juice, he looked around a moment, half hoping and half dreading a conversation might turn his way. When he found himself perfectly ignored once again, he relaxed a bit and picked up his fork to eat. He wasn’t sure which was worse, being picked on by the older crèche boys for his size or having the Weyr seem to forget you exist. At least the crèche ladies never completely forgot him.

[starshine]

Kess was never really one to be the center of attention. Being thus she usually had a quiet lunch. She nibbled at the roll on her plate and took a sip of her juice. She crossed her legs under the table as her silver eyes scanned over the others at the table. More quiet and contemplated then many of the others she lost herself in her own mind.

Another bite of roll and she noticed the boy from the barracks. He had been at class also. What was his name...? She racked her brain for a moment. New candidates seemed to be popping up every day. She watched as he took a seat a little ways down from her. She flashed him a grin. "Good day Somadin, how was your morning?" Her voice held its usual pleasantness.

[LyricalBlue]

Long legs had been striding purposefully towards the table that housed the Weyr's less than formidable band of candidates but they stopped in their tracks abruptly. Ias bit her lower lip as the baby approached Kess and darn Kess was being nice. Why was she always nice? At that moment Ias was fairly sure that they really couldn't be related. Maybe Kess's mother really hadn't been true sister to her mother. They were both too nice.

The tall redhead snorted and started walking forwards again, she placed her plate and cup down next to her cousin and gave Somadin a far from welcoming smile. In fact it rather looked like a dragon trying to smile to a wherry. Well, if the baby was going to sit with her cousin, she was at least going to have fun with the situation. Maybe her meal would be more entertaining that she had originally thought.

She sat, long legs sticking out under the table and regarded the small Candidate coolly.
"Well well, looks like they let babies eat at the Candidate Table. Aren't you late for your creche songs?" Eyebrows arched above green eyes. Oh yes, this was going to be fun indeed.

[hrsegrl]

(Couldn't resist jumping in...)

Sipping her glass of water, Havalie barely noticed that anyone else was at the Candidate table. She was far enough away from Kess and Somadin not to care that they were there. The older girl found both of them to be amiable enough. If she seemed distant it was only because she was shy at starting conversations with people she did not know well. Never truly herself in such open and crowded places she did her best not to be noticed.

Looking down at her half eaten red fruit she decided she was not that hungry. The tall young woman was used to this when she had become to hot doing chores. Though her cheeks were flushed she had finally given in to her sister's requests and let them take over her unruly straw like hair. It was shining and she could put her hand through it. Today she could not stop herself from messing with it. Perhaps doing all that they had taken the time to do would be good.

As she glanced back down the table Iaslia showed up. Her blue eyes took in the expression on the girl's face and she knew that this was not going to be a good encounter. One she would rather not be around for. Havalie felt bad for Somadin and Kess but the red head was not going to be persuaded to leave them alone, at least not by Hava. The blonde stood up and took her tray off the table. She was going to leave, until she heard the red head's words.

Ugh? Why couldn't Iaslia pick on someone her own size? One day she would get what was coming to her and Havalie wanted to be there to see it. The real problem with people like Iaslia was that no one stood up to them. What was she thinking? She shouldn't. Too late, the little voice had won over her determined mind. Courage she thought to herself.

As she passed by she said acidly to Iaslia, "And they let the likes of you eat here too. I wonder what would happen if your father were not the Weyrleader. I should worry if I were you..." Havalie was not in the mood for her and she certainly wasn't going to stand by and let her pick on people today. Better she picked on Havalie than someone like Somadin. She could only hope Somadin impressed and did not have to put up with Iaslia's crap anymore.

[E]

Hearing a familiar voice greet him, Somadin looked up from his food to find the peaches and cream complexion of Kess looking his way. Seeing a smile on her lips, he couldn’t help but give her a timid smile back. His reply was lost, however, as another plate joined theirs on the table and the red hair of a girl named Iaslia entered his view.

Her smile, if it could even be called a smile, wiped his off his face quickly. Was she trying to growl at him? The girl was easily the tallest woman Somadin had meet and with her wicked ways added to it, she was also very easily the most intimidating person he had ever meet. His meager attempt to stand up for himself came shuddering past his lips.

“I-I am j-just as eli-igable to stand as you are.” He stammered out, his heart racing. Maybe he should just go. He decided on the spot that being ignored WAS preferable to being noticed and picked on.

Hearing a comment from behind him made Somadin jump clear out of his chair. Turning to find another of the female candidates very obviously picking a fight with the red head, he winced. She was the last one he’d ever dream of picking a fight with, second only to one of the huge boys who shared the barracks with him.

[starshine]

Her silver eyes darted up to meet those of her cousin. Kess had never seen the point in being anything but pleasant to others. Her smile faded to a more stern look. She understood why Somadin was the target of Ias' attack, however she saw the move as unneeded.

"Now Ias, there isn't a need for the teasing, give the boy a break." Her voice was calm and mellow.

A voice joined in from down the table. "And they let the likes of you eat here too. I wonder what would happen if your father were not the Weyrleader. I should worry if I were you..." Havalie sat perched at the other end. Kess' eyes moved over to her, her thin lips curled into a half grin. It wasn't common for Hava to speak up, and to Iaslia of all people. Kess admired her spunk. Few would have the guts to make a comment like that, Kess even doubted if she would say something like that to her.

[LyricalBlue]

If there was one thing that was true of the red head, it was that she was quick on her feet with any sort of response. Well well, wasn't Havalie trying to play the little hero. This could be even more fun than Iaslia had originally anticipated. Her response was low and almost a purr, she barely knew her father. In fact, they never talked; but that did not mean she couldn't use the man to her advantage. He owed her that at least, for all that he had nothing to do with her rearing.

"Why yes, he is the Weyrleader and his father was a brownrider as was his grandfather. And oh, my mother rode green. Hard facts to argue with. How many riders do you have in your family?" Iaslia took a sip from her cup slowly then set it back down on the table with a small clink before locking hard eyes on Somadin.
"And baby, were you Searched or were you given the chance just because you were lucky to be born at the Weyr? Woudln't say you have much more right than drudge Havalie. Sometimes the Candidate Master is too nice. But, we have to give the dragons options I suppose."

Picking up a knife, she sawed the roll on her plate neatly in half then deposited the cold wherry meat in between the halves as well as a slice of soft cheese. As she picked up the sandwich to take a bite, the red head watched the two to see how well they could fight. Her motives were known to only herself and well, maybe Kess once and awhile.

She winked at her cousin sidelong, if Iaslia was picking a fight it was for more than one reason. As she munched on her sandwhich she decided she rather enjoyed the look of pure terror on Somadin's face. Havalie did her best to hide it, but Iaslia was fairly sure that if she said 'boo' the blonde would cave like a dead glow. This really was a good deal of fun.

[hrsegrl]

Let it go, let it go...Havalie breathed deeply and closed her eyes. What made her so high and mighty? At least Havalie would always have a future should she not impress. The thought passed through her mind how interesting it would be if she impressed and Iaslia did not. That seemed an impossibility but still she could dream. The more she thought about the idea that because she was born of drudges that she could not impress the more upset she became.

Calm down. Shaking her head she replied, "I see." Then there was an almost pensive pause." Your kind are so much superior to mine. I'm sure you could cook, clean, do your laundry, take care of beasts and runners and run the inner workings of the Weyr without help. Or is that below you?" Her eyes rested on the red head. " I think you need to come down from that cloud you are on and realize that you are not the only person in this world who matters. I do not even know how Kesstriel can stand to be around you. Do you not hear yourself?" She sighed, almost sorry for Iaslia that no one had taken the time to teach her to respect people.

"I suppose you think that you can sit there near Somadin and continue to insult him without anyone saying a thing. Well guess what, I'm through letting you push other people around. I will not stand by and watch you treat other people like garbage." Havalie's voice remained soft and calm but there was a strength to it that suggested her words were not just air. She meant what she was saying. She looked to Kesstriel and Somadin. If the three of them took her on, she might just get the picture. Havalie would stand alone if need be but support would be nice.

[Redden]

Giving her brother an annoyed look from the corner of her eye as the walk side by side toward the candidate table. Nanyaa only carried a cup of water in hand. "Look I'm just not hungry alright?"

Carrying a plate of food that held various fruits, a couple of fist sized loafs of bread , a square of Cheese and two cups of water that he balanced with his left hand as he gestured toward his sister while talking. "That is what you always say dear sister and you need more than water. Just a piece of fruit, please? As much time as you spend chasing people around with those swords of yours you need some energy."

Eyes rolling back in her head in typical manner, "You act as if it is the only thing I do, forgive me for not wishing to shove my head up a book all day" She was about to say more then realizing how harsh it would have sound she just shrugs and averts her eyes glaring at someone else as the walk.

He stared at her as she walked on ahead resisting the urge to retort with an irritated quip. "If nothing else," He said as he continued after her, "Take a fruit for later? Later we can have a duel, your sword versus my Quill if you do?"

"Bribing? what are we six again? I had planned on stealing off of your plate anyways so stop sniveling." Smirking slightly takes a sip of her water, "besides what would be the point in any kind of duel, even at matching wits you always give in. You know some confrontation is good for you."

"Think of it as being less of a bribe and more of an attempt at compromise. I get hit with a stick and you actually will get to finish this week's lesson on time. It is almost a win/win." The taller twin smirked.

A turn of a heel she faces her brother seething up at him, anger and hurt fill her eyes as she silently informs her brother he crossed a line.

[janus]

He paused in mid sentence and the smile on his face instantly dropped as he started to reach his free hand out towards her shoulder and was about to apologize before the loud outbursts of anger from behind them grabbed their attention.

In unison the two look up to see a few of the candidates in a heated argument of some kind, "Do we have to sit there...?" asked Nanyaa.

"Uh..." Looking about the room Navace saw no other empty spaces except what lay behind the quickly growing group of quarreling candidates. "Maybe if we ask them nicely we can slip by...?"

In a quick movement Nanyaa slips behind her twin and gestures him on. "Alright lead on..." Grumbling to herself she shoves her brother forward when he doesn't walk fast enough for her growing impatience, the hostile were not helping her growing foul mood.

Moving forward unexpectedly, he flails his right arm about to try and gather some balance as he starts to stumble forward barely able to say "I wasn't being entirely seriou-" before tumbling forward into the mass of people his tray flying out from his hand and the cups of water drenching Ias as the bread and cheese flew about the room.

Landing in a rather awkward roll with his legs propped up on the bench he was surprised to see a fruit falling towards him and he reached out and quickly caught it. "Ha! That was great...luck..." He trails off while staring up at several curious face along with the reddening furious look of Ias looking down at him.

"Er...nice morning...to uh...be dropping by, is it not?" He said rather awkwardly.

Nanyaa's eyes open wide as she realizes just how much worse she made things and goes rushing to Navace's side dropping to a knee next to him not sure if she should laugh or cry.

[starshine]

Kess relaxed in her seat beside Somadin, she leaned closer to him. Quietly she spoke, "Don't you mind Iaslia, she's mostly talk and well she's got a good bite on her." She gave the boy a wink. It wasn't a reassuring comment. It wasn't often Kess felt the need to stand up to her cousin on behalf of other people, which wasn't totally true. Iaslia was smart and generally chose to show the catty side of her when Kesstriel wasn't around to see, but oh did Kess know. She had friends even if her cousins uncle thought otherwise.

Kess felt like Somadin was someone worth watching. She thought he might have allot to contribute to the Weyr and wither or not Iaslia could see it, Kess was going to give him a little support while he needed it. Her silver eyes moved over her cousins face. What was she thinking? Fighting wasn't Kess' way and she had hoped maybe a little of her personality had rubbed off.

She settled her elbows on the table and stabbed at the small bowl of stew in front of her. She took a bite and placed her utensil back down. It was then she noticed the twins approaching, followed by Navace's near accident. She stiffled a small laugh before leaning forward. "Are you alright?!"

[E]

Somadin had not felt so small as he did when the red headed Iaslia locked eyes with him and spoke of his candidacy. It was true he was not searched… and truer still that he had used his Weyr home to take his chance… But if he didn’t have a right to be there wouldn’t the candidate master have told him so? Throat tightening as he fought silently for some sort of reply to the woman, some way to prove that she was wrong, he could feel the tears coming as he realized that she was right.

Havalie continued to speak against Iaslia, against her heritage and defending their rights to stand, but Somadin only heard it in parts. Iaslia was right about his lack of a search, and while he wasn’t sure if anyone else had officially been searched besides Trevan, he couldn’t argue without knowing the truth.

It was Kess’s voice that he heard next, even as water spilled across the table. Moving to mop it up quickly, he gave a sniff piling the now wet rags onto his plate. “Maybe Iaslia is right, you know…” he said softly, not looking up. “I never was searched and I don’t know if my parents were riders or not.” He was happy everything was now wet though he didn’t know who had made the mess, it helped hide the tears that were falling. “I guess I will leave it up to the dragons to see if I am worthy of the chance being born in the Weyr has given me.”

With his quiet explanation, he turned away from the table, appetite lost and food wet. Yes, not being noticed at all was much better than this. Moving quickly away, he half walked and half ran from the scene. Thread score them all, he would show them that size didn’t always matter… he hoped…

[LyricalBlue]

As Havalie's voice raised the smirk touched Iaslia's lips once more. Ah yes, this was getting better and better, that poor girl really had a thing to prove. When Iaslia spoke, her voice came out silken and low. The fact that several people in the room were now looking at the other girl with startled expressions was only making this better.
"Hava, dear. You're not a hero. Don't try to be one."

And then Somadin spoke and the red head tilted her head back to smirk at Havalie. Then she turned back to the small boy and nodded just after Kess had leaned in to whisper to him.
"Right, the dragons decide now don't they." She took another long sip from her cup, seemingly as if she was having a quiet, pleasant chat.

Of course, planning only went so far. The twins happened by and Iaslia had only enough time to look up as the water flew into her face. After a moment of stark surprise, she began to laugh merrily. Iaslia wiped of her face and pushed her hair back, then grinned up at the terror stricken boy and his twin and laughed more.
"Well, you've saved me a trip to the lake."

Still laughing, she wrung her hair out over the side of the bench, dangerously close to Havalie's feet. She motioned for the twins to sit down, eyes dancing with amusement.
"We were discussing the merits of Impression. Havalie here thinks that one has to be a good, kind person to Impress." Iaslia gestured to Somadin as she picked up her linen to wipe her face off. "At least baby here realizes its not what you do that matters. Its who you really are."

[Redden]

With a slight sigh of relief Nanyaa helps her brother up to take a seat at the table. Give a quick look around at the other candidates she attempted a awkward but sincere smile. "If you have to be kind, I suppose neither of us will be getting impressed, " Realizing that talking out loud caused people to look at her she quickly looks down at the table but continues as if actually talking to someone, "The way Navace and I fight we'd be left for sure. But... don't they have their own personalities just like each of us? Really doubt each one is kind hearted. To say you have to be one way is well... in my opinion silly and spiteful."

She takes a sip of her cup and looks up at her brother for his reaction, unable to look around at anyone else, this is the most people she's spoken to since they became candidates. Unsure if this was a good thing or a bad thing she simple stared at her twin as if trying to burn a hole into his forehead.

[hrsegrl]

((hey guys, please make sure your reading what people write before writing what they do into your own post. Havalie is standing with her tray behind Iaslia and she never raised her voice.))

Havalie shook her head. Kesstriel and Somadin were going to let Iaslia treat them however she wanted. Fine. She looked at Iaslia with contempt. She was not trying to be a hero she was just fed up with the red head. Honestly she did not need to waste any more of her time on the younger girl. Maybe one day she would grow up and see that the world was not hers to command.

The young blonde was not suprised when the twins interrupted everything. Something was bound to. She was not disturbed even by the comments they made up until Iaslia made one about her which people took to talking about.

"I never said someone had to be kind. Respecting other people is something that all humans should strive for, dragonrider or not. " With that Havalie finished her walk which is had started what seemed half a candlemark ago leaving the area of the Candidate Tables and heading for the kitchens. They were only going to say more things about her which were untrue. Perhaps she should have stuck around but it did not bother her as much as it probably should have.