Peydra

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The Race!

The Great Courtyard (Weyrside)
The gigantic courtyard resembles more a marble paved field for it's immense coverage of the entire area from the Weyr doors to the entrance of the Hold far down to the east. Swept smooth by wind and weather, the dark grey stones are interlocked with ancient masterful skill dating back to the first settlements. To the southeast of the weyr lies the entrance to the stables.
To the northeast, the courtyard leads off to an enclosed orchard, the breeze Lake Caspian carrying the aromas of the rich growing plants by the Weyr entranceway as it billows through the canyon like region. Towards the southeast is the lake itself with a wide expanse of stone steps leading straight down into the waters themselves. The bottom most are entirely submerged at high tide, washing up interesting things onto them every so often.
Spring sunshine continues to warm the days of the southern continent, each night bringing the welcome light showers that feed the quickly growing vegetation. The flowers on the trees that bloomed early start to droop, hinting at the promise of new fruit.
You see Dancing Pavillion, Tabby, Saarick, Mischief, Asherah, Pfelth, Morianth, and Kinzhalth here.
Mhairi is here.
Obvious exits:
Main Doors Beach Central Courtyard Stable Fly Landing Field Road to Herder Hall

Peydra
A solidly muscular build cinches Peydra's steady androgyny: broad shoulders support a heavy frame with little fat. At five foot, nine inches, she stands well above average for a woman, her mass imposingly laid out. Thick arms and legs have the bulk of muscle considered appealing on a man, but less attractive without the Y chromosome. Her dirty blond hair is slowly growing, a riot of curls held back and tamed via a visible clutter of hairpins. Still not quite long enough to reach the collar of her shirt in the back, it is sufficient to obscure the brownrider's vision. A few freckles spatter her nose, and vivid blue eyes reflect light and moods with equal ease.
Silver and purple twine on Peydra's shoulder; the mating of threads into a declaration of position: Wingrider of Xanadu Weyr. The strand of brown that laces through the ensemble marks her lifemate's color.
A light tunic of tan cotton has been loosely belted around Peydra's waist, just tight enough to avoid obstruction without granting her much shape or cutting off the brush of air against the skin underneath. Her pants are long but loose and thin. Her thick boots are the only rebellion she makes against the heat; supremely practical in their durability.
Peydra looks to be in her late teens.

Mhairi
Tall and thin, with boundless energy, Mhairi strides from place to place. When not tied out of the way, her long brown hair streams out behind her, a shining golden brown wave of sisal flowing down her back. Mhairi's face is covered with freckles from spending so much time out of doors, most of which seem to congregate on her turned up nose. Her thinness accentuates her cheekbones, but these are offset from causing her face from being too angular by her eyes, brown as the deepest klah before the milk is added, framed by long black eyelashes.
A tightly fitted sapphire dress hugs close to newly formed curves, showing off Mhairi's pregnancy. From hips it swirls out to drop in light pleats to calf. Oh her feet are a light pair of brown clogs which are easily slipped off, the toes of which are showing light scuff marks of constant use.
Mhairi looks to be in her early thirties.
A soft look about her face and a slight rounding over belly and a few other places are the only indicators of her pregnancy.

Peydra emerges from the main bulk of the Weyr, running her fingers through her hair with some faint distaste; the lengthening strands are just long enough to irritate her eyes. She squints lightly against the sunlight -- also obviously designed to irritate her eyes.

Mhairi is wondering slowly from the direction of the forest, a small basket over her arm indicating she is in search of new supplies for her forest weyr. She pauses and then smiles "Peydra, what are you doing?" she calls across the courtyard.

Thanial emerges from the giant main doors.

Thanial
Midnight black curls in roguish abandon, styled with practiced ease, around an undeniably handsome face. Xanadu's sun has left its mark across every inch of exposed flesh, darkening his skin to an appealing tan, offsetting the spectacular cobalt blue of his eyes. Thin patrician lines accentuate the aristocratic mold of his nose while lips that border just this side of sensuous hint at the hedonist within.
Subtle linen in its natural tones makes up the rather loose fitting tunic that is obviously some romantic weaver's vision of what a seaman's shirt should be. Billowy sleeves are rolled up to reveal tanned and muscled forearms while the front laces are loosened artistically to show just a tantalizing hint of his smooth, sun kissed skin. The tails of this dramatic top are tucked rather carelessly into black leather breeches that would not be out of place on one of Xanadu's riders, each muscle lovingly delineated by the softened hide.

Thanial is on the prowl for proddy greenriders, a rather helpful drudge having given him the idea. Running across a bluerider and brownrider, he pauses and bows formally in greeting. "Good eve, Riders."

Peydra shifts the hand that is raised to shield her eyes against the sunlight, squinting across the courtyard at Mhairi. "Mhairi!" she calls, predictably. "I was about to head out on a run." Deciding that the courteous thing to do is return the question, and deciding also that the query would be better made at a shorter distance, she begins to traverse the field. "What are you doing?" She arrests her movement and half-turns as she's addressed from behind. "Um. Hi?" she greets.

Mhairi smiles and continues walking across the courtyard towards where Peydra is, she swings the basket "Well I am out of food." She pats her stomach "I seem to be eating more than usual and with C'zar eating my supplies as well, well I run out quickly." She shrugs "And then I thought I should maybe see Kym or look in the wingoffice and see if there are any duties that need doing or assigning." She winks teasingly at Peydra "But I am sure I can address that with you after you run." She half-bows to the stranger "Hello?"

Thanial pauses, "Or is it good morn?" Sunlight can be a killer. Nial blames it on the timezone difference between here and Benden, where his family's caravan was last. "But it seems that I've intruded on your conversation. My apologies." Yet there's something in his manner that belies his apology for the interruption.

Peydra's lips twitch. "No, I'm doing fine for duties," she says. "Particularly with all the new duties Elisa's laying on me, and did you need something?" She changes the addressee of her statement with a smooth ease apparently designed to baffle, though at least her gaze does flip back to Thanial with the query.

Mhairi laughs softly "No I did not have any duties, I forgot that Elisa had pressganged you, I will find someone else to do them, seeing as I cannot fly between anymore and its best if I do not fly at all, there are probably a few messages that need sending." She glances at the stranger, waiting to see if there is a reply to Peydra's question.

Thanial looks rather uncomfortable, not something that he's used to. "Well, you see... I'm quite lost." There, he's admitted it. "Aunt Arial has said that I can stay with her for my /brief/"- Faranth willing -"Visit down to your lovely Weyr. Unfortunately, I seem to have forgotten where her weyr is. It's somewhere high," he adds helpfully.

Peydra eyes Thanial for a moment. "Somewhere high," she echoes. "Have you tried the stairs? They're inside. You might want to try going up." Oh, how very helpful. And not at all sarcastic.

Mhairi laughs and shakes her head "I cannot remember where Arial's weyr is, thankfully Vanuth usually remembers where the weyrs are, which is not much use to you." She grins at Peydra and then back at Thanial "The stairs are good, ask a drudge, they usually know where people's weyrs are." She shrugs "ANd you are?"

Thanial tries to look pitiful as he notes, "But there are /so/ many of them." Not that Nial's not used to climbing stairs, he can, but why should he if there's riders right here in front of him. Riders mean dragons and dragons mean flying - which is far more preferable than climbing stairs. Why exert oneself if one doesn't need to? "Thanial," he adds in reply to Mhairi's question. "Or Nial, if you prefer."

Peydra eyes Thanial. "Good," she says. "You can undoubtedly use the exercise. Unless you prefer jogging?" One eyebrow arches in invitation -- flee now.

"Er- jogging?" The tone that Nial uses indicates his rather less than eager pursuit of that sport, if it could be considered a sport. "Well, I don't really seem to be dressed for it," he hedges slightly. Not having the right attire is an excuse, isn't it?

Mhairi grins and shakes her head "Vanuth and I are unavailable to ferry people and it won't hurt you to climb the stairs, that way you know the way back down again?" She winks and shakes her head at Peydra but does not comment "You need a companion for your run Peydra, I thought you would be more the solitary type."

Peydra eyes Thanial's outfit and offers a brief, almost feral smile. "Well, just as well. Wouldn't want to have to slow myself. And as Mhairi says, I am rather the solitary sort." Her diction is more formal than normal; it tends to pick up faint traces of the aristocrat when she mocks.

Thanial can see that he's not getting anywhere with his nefarious plan to pity a ride out of the riders before him, but he's far too stubborn to give it all up for a loss. Maybe some quick rethinking is in order. "One would think that would work," he sighs dramatically. "Yet I've already forgotten which landing it was." Oh wait, did that make Nial look a bit dim. "It's all so new and overwhelming," he adds lamely. Yes, that's the ticket. Pause. "Slow you down?" Now Nial's blood is boiling - he's so easy to predict. Taking on a cocky stance to counter Peydra's aristocratic mocking, he snorts arrogantly, "My dear rider, I do believe that /you/ would slow /me/ down."

A smile plays across Mhairi's face and she almost puts out a hand to stop the newcomer, afterall she does not want to get Arial's nephew blooded on his first day in the weyr but her sense of the ridiculous takes over and her hand remains at her side "Ahh one of the drudges will be able to tell you how many flights to climb, not all riders are up for ferrying people around you know." She grins at Peydra "Looks like you have a challenger there you know."

That arches eyebrow cocks still higher as Peydra studies Thanial. "Of course," she says. "How original a response. Well, of course, I am only a little woman, and I'm certain you'll go easy on me, yes?" She bats her eyelashes -- now /there/ is a sight not often seen. Anyone have a camera? Oh -- right. Not invented.

Thanial pauses to turn his attention to Mhairi as he nods curtly, "Of course," he replies with habitual politeness, but it seems that the focus of his attention is on Peydra and her metaphorical red flag. Feral grin flashes, "I wouldn't dream of it," he returns haughtily. The gauntlet's been thrown and accepted. Unfortuantely, Nial's hotheadedness is going to get him into more trouble - not to mention pain - than he realizes. "It would take the fun out of defeating you in such a condescending manner."

Mhairi glances at Peydra and then wishes she had not as she almost bursts out laughing at Peydra's act of being ladylike and helpless. She swallows hard and is unable to make any comments, a smile twitching on her lips, threatening to break out "Well seeing as I am not built for this running thing, I could be your starter and finishing person, just to make sure it is all fair." She smiles and opens her mouth to make another comment, enquiring about Nial's running abilities and then shuts it again, why have too much information, more amusing if it is all a surprise after all.

Peydra offers a grin to Thanial, and then turns it to Mhairi. "Ah -- I do hope you'll excuse us? We need our exercise, you know. Do let Arial know I won't let her nephew die." At the wingsecond's suggestion, the brownrider simply /beams/. "Oh, excellent!" she sings out. "Shall we say five miles?" She gestures towards the entry to a path. "That one," she declares, "is clear, and forms a nice loop."

Thanial blanches, the reality of what he's just gotten himself into has hit him. Dark eyes widen as he tries to remedy the situation, or at least make it more bearable. "That one," he gives his head a doubtful shake. "No, why don't we try one just a bit shorter? After all, you did mention duties did you not? I'd hate to distract you from them." Isn't Nial nice, the perfect gentleman. Or the perfect coward.

Mhairi smiles and nods in agreement "That is a nice clear running path." She glances at Nial to see if he is in agreement "So on the count of 3, I will drop my arm and you will start running and then I will sit here and take my ease til you guys cross the finish line which will be...." She pauses when Nial asks for a shorter one "Oh there are no decent running tracks shorter than that." She glances at Peydra to see her response.

"Oh, no, no," Peydra assures him. "I use my jog to relax. Admittedly, five miles is a bit on the short side, but I was planning on a swim later today. If you don't think you're up for it, though, I suppose I could go without you?"

Jondalar walks in.

Jondalar
Midnight black curls in roguish abandon, styled with practiced ease, around an undeniably handsome face. Xanadu's sun has left its mark across every inch of exposed flesh, darkening his skin to an appealing tan, offsetting the spectacular cobalt blue of his eyes. Thin patrician lines accentuate the aristocratic mold of his nose while lips that border just this side of sensuous hint at the hedonist within.
Subtle linen in its natural tones makes up the rather loose fitting tunic that is obviously some romantic weaver's vision of what a seaman's shirt should be. Billowy sleeves are rolled up to reveal tanned and muscled forearms while the front laces are loosened artistically to show just a tantalizing hint of his smooth, sun kissed skin. The tails of this dramatic top are tucked rather carelessly into black leather breeches that would not be out of place on one of Xanadu's riders, each muscle lovingly delineated by the softened hide.
Tall and Moderately handsome, this young man stands at about 6'6. His most noticeable feature are two, striking, blue eyes that vie for attention with a shock of sun-bleached blond hair. Strong features make up the over all look of his face, high cheek bones and a strong chin squaring out his appearance. His stance shows an uncanny balance, his broad frame always upright and rigid. His arms are long as are his legs; his hands broad and most often found hovering near a weapon.
This guard wears an ivory tunic with extra padding here and there to defend against daggers in all the right places, an some hide pants that are colored a dark cobalt blue signifying him as a guard at Xanadu. He has a dark hide belt witha silver colored buckle that loops around to his side were a belt knife hangs delicatly in it's scabbard, His boots are a strong tan hide which have wherry hide lining inside of them for extra comfort against standing or walking all day. A rather undescriptive hilt of a sword pokes out from it's hide scabbard, but a hint of the blade can often be viewed when the guard walks, and it shows a brilliant display of craftmanship by the smiths.. and he's always ready to show it off as well should anybody merely.. ask him too. Bomber perches on Jondalar's shoulder. Glider perches on Jondalar's shoulder.
Jondalar looks to be in his early twenties.

Thanial obviously braces himself, looking at the indicated path with trepedation. I think I can, I think I can. Oh great Faranth, he's going to die. "Well, if you're sure," he returns with a nonchalant shrug. "I was only looking after your well-being." Nodding to Mhairi and regretting the inevitable soiling of his favorite outfit, he gulps. "Alright, on the count of three -" Turning to Peydra, he adds, "But only if you're sure, Rider." Is that a hint of panic in his voice? Nah, couldn't be.

Jondalar sets down Lord.

Mhairi pulls her shoe along the ground and makes a line "Ok this is the starting and ending line." She raises her hand "Ready?" She smiles at Nial "You will do fine." She hopes, she does not want Arial after her but maybe she can blame it all on Peydra. She raises her arm "1 2 3." Her arm drops "Go!" she shouts and then glances around for a comfy seat to watch the action from.

Peydra poises for the start, and at the count begins to jog -- not sprint, just jog. Her pace is casual and easy, a rate designed to last the entire route without demanding a slow. She does not quite watch Nial, though it cannot be said she is unaware of his position as she heads for the path.

Jondalar saunters in just in time to hear the word 'Go' shouted and stops in the background behind the group for a few moments... "Interesting.." he murmurs quietly and places a comforting, yet restraining hand on the large canine next to him.."Wonder what they're doing eh boy?" again.. slightly soft in volume.. but audible if people are alert.

Thanial takes off in a flash, obviously not reserving his strength for the ordeal to come. The only thing on his mind is making a good showing, his reputation's at stake here. His boots make the sprint a bit difficult though and if Nial were smart he would have removed them beforehand. But then Peydra and Mhairi would have seen the hole in his sock and that would be unseemly. Looking quite confident as Peydra paces easily behind him, he pulls a cocky grin - or tries to. The panting interferes.

Peydra follows well behind Thanial. Though the man is obviously in the lead, she makes no attempt to alter her speed; her current pace is the one which will get her to the end most quickly. Her boots slap against the path with an easy, steady rhythm as she runs between the trees. Her own breathing is steady and even.

Mhairi nods at the other who has entered the courtyard "Should be an interesting race" she says as she makes her way to a bench and settles herself down, her hand curving over her stomach protectively and she sighs, as she takes the weight off her feet. She squints after the runners and grins, wondering how Nial will keep up that pace.

Jondalar makes the canine lie down and scoots over to the now sitting woman's side "H'llo M'lady.." he always feels protective of blessed? women , even if they are riders..."Racing is it? those are fun eh? " He hazards at one point, then finally remembers "I'm Jondalar M'am.."

Thanial would crow, if he had breath enough to do so. As it is, he's not faring well. The change of altitude is helping him push his body more than he would have been able to otherwise, but each gasp for oxygen is beginning to sound strained. A rather unpleasant trickle of sweat trails down to drip off the tip of his nose not to mention that his soft linen shirt is beginning to stick to his back. Yes, he really should have changed.

Mhairi nods "Well met Jondalar, I am Mhairi, Wingsecond, Bluerider, Rider but never m'lady." She winks and then glances at the race and shakes her head "No they are doing it to prove a point, not for fun." She grins, the smile that has been threatening to burst out, now apparent "Well Peydra." She points towards the brown rider "She is doing it for fun but Nial." She indicates the lad in the lead "He is doing it out of pride which is silly but men are." She glances at Jondalar to see how he takes that statement.

Peydra slowly begins to gain ground, though it would be hard to tell at the distance she and Thanial are still separated. A trickle of sweat is forming at her own hairline, moisture beading to run in a line down the side of her face. The patch between her shoulderblades, too, begins to gather moisture, but her pace remains steady, and she does not seem at a loss for breath.