In The Tradewinds Tavern

Tradewinds Tavern
Curiosities from every corner of Pern bedeck the high ceilings of the Tavern, giving truth to its name. Great, arching windows overlook the pleasantries of the inner courtyard, their wide sills holding a wild variety of potted plants, containers and the greenery within adding splashes of color that almost do not fit the accompanying decor. A small, flowering tree marks the exit to the courtyard -- a gift from Southern Boll -- and an ornate Harper Hall harp displays on a stand in a corner. Prominently on display at the bar is one of the original, small Port barrels from Benden Hold; it is a pride and joy for the barkeepers and regular patrons alike. A large, meticulously polished bronze bell hangs behind the bar, oft times used to signal closing to the more inebriated customers. The bell's hanging beam is the preferred spot for Hold firelizards, as many find their distorted reflections fascinating to no end.
You see Flopsy, Greed, Carroll, Psychotic, Acero, and Agerion here.
Meshach is here.
Obvious exits:
Residential Hallway Inner Courtyard Dining Hall

Meshach
Pale skin sets the mood for this unattractive teen's appearance. His slim face is speckled with boyish freckles and more than a few pimples. A small salvation might be gained from his strong chin and high cheekbones if the unorganized cedar mop crowning his head didn't counter them so completely. Below his sun-speckled face stretch long and lanky limbs almost devoid of muscle or grace. The only positive effect this lack of body mass may afford is that the bits of hard won muscle clinging to his frame are all the more visible.
When the teen remembers to wear them silver and blue mark Meshach as the head barkeep of Xanadu Hold.
Light sisal shows its natural shades as it drapes over the narrow shoulders and torso. The plain fabric has been tailored into a cool and serviceable shirt that stops evenly at the upper thigh. Emerging from under the short sleeved tunic are twill shorts the color of rust, one of the few shades that doesn't war with this boy's carrot top complexion. Iago perches on Meshach's shoulder.
Meshach looks to be in his late teens.
Carrying:
Iago (#2482)

Peydra
Peydra can hardly be accused of delicacy; at five feet nine inches, her form has filled out with the solid bulk of muscle. Broad shoulders sport the well-defined muscles considered far more attractive on men, and her arms and legs continue the pattern, built for sturdy functionality more than grace or charm. The slight flare of chest and hips confirms her femininity, but do not come close to dominating her appearance. Dirty blond hair has been close-cropped for comfort and simplicity; its natural curl is subdued by the short length. 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.

Peydra walks in from the residential hallway at a slow pace, a drawling stroll rather than the brownrider's more usual brisk walk. Her gaze is on the floor in front of her feet, but it lifts as she moves into the busier atmosphere of the tavern. Her eyes flicker to the bar, and it is in that direction that she moves.

Meshach glances up as he hears the door from the hallway give off the complaining squeak it does every time it's opened. "I need to get that fixed." He says more to himself then anyone else. Other things soon come forward to fill his attention however. A regular, already drunk enough to be a problem, asks for a refill on the cheapest beer and Mesh quickly grabs the mug and hurries to obey. He hasn't yet learned the fine art of how much drink t let the customers have and it's showing. The newly filled mug is slid back across the counter to the man, silencing his calls with the drink.

Peydra dips a slight nod to Meshach. "Something strong," she requests, sliding to sit on a barstool. "Without any fruit juice in it." Her gaze flicks to the drunken man a bit down the line, then back up at the bartender. A moment of consideration is all it takes for her to dismiss him as a real threat, but still she carries herself with an air of taut readiness; taverns are places where danger can erupt unexpectedly.

"Whisky , wine or beer, miss?" Meshach carries no sense of readiness with him, instead slight shines of weariness show in the droop of his eyelids and the slight slouch in his posture. The bad weather has been chasing people inside, and it seems they all want to drink something. While waiting for the lady's response Mesh turns quickly and grabs one of the many old rags soaking in the basin. After ringing it out Shach turns back and starts wiping the counter, there isn't any reason to waste time after all.

Karasa walks in.

OOC: Karasa says, "where on Pern is this? I just @moved..."

Karasa opens the door to the Residential Hallway and disappears from the gossip of the Tavern.

Peydra's lips twitch wryly at the title. "Whisky," she votes. Strong enough, certainly. She lets her eyes flicker around the room. "Is this place always so busy in winter?" she wonders. It would make sense; the monsoons chase people inside, and set them thinking about moisture. "I'm from over Weyrwards, and haven't been over here, really."

Karasa walks in from the Residential Hallway.

Karasa walks into the Tavern, not completely soaked, no, but feeling that way. She shakes coat out, which she barely remembered to grab, and hangs it up on the rack by the door. Spying Peydra she winces. Well, maybe yesterday was just a bad day? She gathers up her courage and walks over to the nearest stool, which is a few away from Peydra, thank Faranth, and sits.

Meshach pulls a mug out from under the bar and sets it down on the counter firmly. "Whisky it is then." A large grin is flashed to the girl before he retreats to the other side of the room to fetch the whisky skin. The complicated clasp is undone quickly before the tender carefully starts filling the mug. "I wouldn't know actualy. I only got here this summer." His gaze leaves the drink for a moment to glance about at the gathering trongs before switching back tot he pouring job. "I hope it's not always this crowded, I don't think I could put up with too much of this every Turn." The mug is full and Mesh lifts his right hand enough to stop the flow. As he redoes the latch Shach notices yet another in the number at the bar. "Can I get you anything miss?" he asks wearily.

Karasa smiles at the man kindly. "Just some klah to warm this chill out of me, Apprentices aren't allowed anything stronger," she says, chuckling, and turning to Peydra. "Hello, ma'am," she says as politely as possible, which is rather politely.

Karasa
Soft strands of light brown hair flow down the apprentice Herder's back, the braid-crimped waves often delicately framing her slightly tanned features. Her hazel eyes are deepset in their sockets, seeming lit from the inside, the greens, browns, grays and even a few hints of blue seeming to shift around each time the are gazed at. Her torso is slender, well muscled, the chest well formed and full, supported by hidden undergarments. Her arms and legs are long and muscular, her frame finely-boned yet not entirely delicate. Her feet -- if ever seen out of her boots -- are long and as carefully shaped as the rest of her.
A softly woven blue tunic covers this apprentice Herder's full top, barely going down to her waist and always rising up to show her flat belly when her hands go up over her head to search a high shelf, or to muck out a stall--lots of twisting involved there you know--or when her twin brother tickles her--brothers always seem to know the other siblings weak spots, don't they? Her legs are covered by an all purpose set of wherhide tan trous, tight fitting to prevent catches on nails or a splintered rail. Protecting her feet and calves are a pair of wherhide riding boots, a dark brown, almost black shade. On her shoulder a double-corded strand of mingled yellow and white clings. A single loop indicates her current status: Herder Apprentice.
Karasa looks to be in her late teens.

Jyfer opens the door from the Inner Courtyard and walks in.

OOC: Karasa waves to Jyffy!

Peydra tosses a coin onto the bar in front of her as her mug is filled, then lets her gaze flicker to Karasa. Vague recognition sparks, but nothing the brownrider can place. She dips her head slightly to the apprentice, adding a vaguely chiding: "I'm not a ma'am. Faranth, you look to be older than I am." But the rider is the one drinking the heavy liquor. She lifts the mug to her lips and takes a pull from it, wincing slightly as she swallows. She lowers the vessel with a slight smile, though; no problem with the drink.

OOC: Jyfer is not peanut butter

OOC: Karasa grins. "Okay, Jyfer. Sowwy."

Karasa smiles softly. "Alright, what shall I adress you as then, if you aren't a ma'am, miss?" she asks, feeling a bit confused.

Jyfer
Jyfer is approximately 5'5. She has brown shoulder length hair with blonde and red highlights from the Southern sun. She has grey-blue eyes that are the color of the sky before it snows. She has a dark tan showing she has been living South for quite sometime now. She has a dimple that shows on her cheek when she gives her common smirk. She speaks with an accent that many who don't know better would place her from Fort, but it has a slight drawl in it which would account for living in the borders of Fort's neighbor Ruatha. She has an average build which shows she eats well, but leads an active lifestyle.
Jyfer is wearing a faded shoulder knot of violet and silver that shows she is a Xanadu Weyr Resident.
Jyfer is wearing a grey tunic that goes to her mid-thigh. The tunic is of a soft silk like material that accents the soft greyness of her eyes. It is slightly baggy but doesnt do much to hide Jyfer's more female features. It has an intricate design of blue thread around the neck line in the shape of dragons, and thicker cloth at the shoulders for whenever Breeze or Mischief decides to land on her. Jyfer is wearing a blue leather belt around her waist and attached to the belt is her dagger and a small grey pouch. She is also wearing soft baggy blue wherhide pants that go down to her ankles, and blue wherhide boots under the pants that go to midcalf.
Jyfer looks to be in her early twenties.
Carrying:
Jyfer's dagger (#2276)

OOC: Jyfer notes that I wouldn't have a knot on my shoulder right now

Peydra's lips twitch upward into a vague smile. "Peydra tends to be what most people opt for," she says, leaning over to extend a hand. "Brown Kinzhalth's. You're a herder?" This is asked with a nod towards the older girl's shoulder knot.

Jyfer walks into the tavern, giving a brief nod to Karasa. then the bartender. She flinches though seeing Peydra there, and walks up to the bar. "Can I geta flaming dragon please? And make it strong." She needs a good drink after the sevenday she has had.

Karasa nods, taking the head with a ready smile. "Aye. Been so for a few years. Can't wait to become a senior apprentice. Oh, but I'm babbling. Most people call me Karasa, though I've been called a few other less, pleasant, things..." she trails off with a slight grimace.

"Klah? I can do that." Stowing the skin back under the crowded bar Mesh also pulls out another mug. A half turn brings the Tender to the ever brewing klah pot. From there it is only a twist of the lever and a few seconds before the mug is filled with the steaming concoction. The faucet is switched back off leaving a few inches in the top of the mug for any add-ins the customer might want. On his way back towards the apprentice Mesh stops by the 'rider to pick up the coin. "Is your drink okay miss?" If this particular lady doesn't come here often then Shach is going to try and convert her to his bar. The prompt payment alone is reason enough, not to mention her pretty blue eyes.

Peydra laughs aloud at that last comment of Karasa's, lifting her mug in a silent salute. "I think we all have that," she says, taking another long sip and this time not wincing away from it. To the bartender's query, she nods. "It's fine," she says. "Thanks for asking." Her smile is genuine, but brief, and then her eyes flicker to Jyfer, though no other motion on her part acknowledges the ex-stablehand's presence.

Karasa takes the drink, giving it a careful sip before smiling. "Could use soem sweetening, but it's good," she says, froth giving her a mustache. She looks around for a moment for a napkin, and finding none, just licking her mustache off. She smiles at the rider. One could really like her, it would seem it was only an off day after all. "Aye, I suppose we do. Such as Study-nut."

Jyfer waits for her drink still, glancing around the tavern for any more familar faces. She gives a brief smile to her friend from weaver, then nods to another she knows from the Hold. She idly taps her fingers against the top of the bar, occasionally glancing at her shoulder, feeling lost.

Peydra snorts lightly. "Study-nut?" she repeats. "Faranth, I envy you that one. People usually call me -- " She hesitates. "Stronger things," she finishes, a smile quirking her expression. "I suppose it's all about how you react to them, mm?" The brownrider has gotten fairly good at taking insults, over the turns. She slips her smile to include the bartender -- busy or no. She firmly believes in the healing power of distraction. "You're new here, then?"

Meshach grins toward the blue eyed girl, "I'm glad you like it miss." The Keep then turns to the apprentice. "I'll get you a thing of sweet beat in a second, just let me get this lovely lady's drink first." The last referring to the holdless one a few stools down. "A flaming dragon wasn't it?" he questions of her. "I'm sorry it took me so long to get to you, but it's so busy now." He breaks off a little embarrassed at his tardiness, not because of any knowledge of the girl's past. His head turns once again as the 'rider addresses him. "Yeah, I came here from a cot hold a few miles out. I've been learning the tavern as I go."

Karasa looks at Jyfer as she nods, nodding back, before returning her gaze to Peydra. "I've been called worse things as well..." she trails off as the bartender reapproachs, and smiles her thanks. "If you don't mind my asking, Peydra, what's it like to ride a dragon?" As we back to study again, well, maybe.

Murkat opens the door from the Inner Courtyard and walks in.

Jyfer nods to him. "Aye and a strong one, if you could." She smiles, grey eyes shining, yet still avoiding that rider, and her gaze. She listens to the various conversations around the room, trying to decide where she will sit after she gets her drink.

Murkat walks in and then stops, looking around. Spying Karasa, he strolls over to her and slides into a nearby seat. "Hey Karasa, there you are." Looking around, he gives a nod to everyone in the room. "Barkeep. Can I get one of your fruit cocktails when you get a chance?"

Peydra blinks, her mouth opening, then snapping shut again. "Um." She hides behind the opportunity to take another drink, lifting it to her lips and mulling over the alcohol content for a minute. "Well, it's kinda like having a really close friend. Whose thoughts you can hear. But who'se kinda like a baby in some ways, and kinda like a soul in others, and annoying as Thread when he gets pretentious and moody." Her lips twitch up into a smile, and she offers a nod to Murkat as he approaches.

Karasa nods, taking all the information in carefully. Must study all we can about animals of every type. She smiles. "This is some storm season, isn't it, Peydra?" she asks, looking out the large windows, frowning slightly. "I hope all the animals are inside."

Nikko opens the door from the Inner Courtyard and walks in.

Meshach pulls another mug out from his store of them before going back over to fetch the whiskey. The strong drink is uncorked and put into position when a call breaks trough the din. "Um, sure mister. Just let me finish mixing up this drink and getting the sweetener for her." He sighs and fills the mug halfway with whiskey. A wince covers his face, well she said she wanted it strong, though she probably didn't mean this strong. The skin is quickly corked and replaced to its place on the shelf. At least no one can claim he's making it wrong, he came up with the thing. The old white wine from Benden is also uncorked. This one is past it's prime and is only good for mixed drinks now; the flavor is too sharp for most people's tastes. A quarter of a mug of that is added much more carefully then the last ingredient. After replacing this skin as well Mesh fills the mug the rest of the way up with klah, a splash of gooseberry juice and a healthy portion of blueberry juice.

Jyfer watches him pour the drink, eyes widening at the amount of whiskey put into it. Murkat will be carrying her home tonight...wait..she doesn't have a /home/. She waits for her drink, then flashes a smile at Murkat.

Peydra nods slightly, taking another sip from her mug. She eyes the liquid left in the bottom. "Tends to be violent here in winter," is all she says. She pauses for an instant, then tosses back the last dregs of her drink. Focusing for a moment on the wall, she debates quietly the state of her sobriety. Her attention slides over to Meshach, whom she judges is a better sobriety-gauge, and she decides that as she does not yet want to either kiss or stab him, she's all right for another drink. She produces a smallish coin and places in on the counter in front of her -- her own quiet way of requesting attention.

Nikko opens the door to the Residential Hallway and disappears from the gossip of the Tavern.

OOC: Jyfer laughs
OOC: Karasa giggles.
OOC: Karasa says, "WE scared him."
OOC: Jyfer was laughing at Peydra's pose, she has been hilarious the last few days in RP
OOC: Karasa says, "Oh, yeah."
OOC: Peydra was proud of that one, I must confess. ;)
OOC: Karasa grins and is having LOTS of fun.
OOC: Jyfer loved the rp of getting kicked out of the Weyr, though I need to convince Elisa to let me back

Karasa nods. "So I've noticed, this one jsut seems to be rather strong this year. I'd not want to be out in that any longer than I have to, most of all not on the high seas. That would be a horendous journey," she says, drinking some more klah while waiting for her sweetening, it doesn't require it, just needs it is all. "You can take care of him, I'll wait," she says, deffering quietly.

Murkat notices jyfer smiling at him. He didn't even realize she was here. Slipping silently out of his seat, he heads over to the bar where she's standing, waiting for her drink. "Hey Jy," he leans up against the bar, "stopping in for a drink?" She's not actually /drinking/, is she? he wonders. Hearing Karasa's comment, he bellows to the keep, "Nonsense, the lady was here first. I can wait."

Meshach grins broadly as an unsuspecting drudge enters the tavern. "Why hello Enept, could you please fetch some sweetener and mix up a fruit cocktail for me? Thank you." The drudge rolls his eyes, but trudges off to the fetch the things mentioned; he's not one to stand up to the tender. "Your drink and sweet beat should be coming soon now," announces to those seated before him, like they didn't hear the conversation. "I've enlisted some help." In the act of turning back towards the water pitcher Mesh notices the small marks on the counter. Lifting his gaze up he sees the pretty woman who must have placed the marks. She has his attention all right. "Would you like anything else, miss?" The marks aren't touched yet, he's gotten into trouble for picking up marks people have only been counting once too many times to make the same mistake again.

"Ale, please," Peyrda ducks into the stream. "Thank you." Somehow, any hint of flirtation wafts across her as unexpected.

Jyfer frowns slightly at the bartender, pulling out a mark piece, /still/ waiting for her drink. She smiles again at Mur though. "Hello Mur.." she says in a soft voice. "It is nice to see you again so soon."

Meshach retches down to scoop up the marks with his right hand only to find the Flaming Dragon in it. Whoops. Grabbing at the marks with his left hand Mesh quickly moves around tot he front of the counter and delivers the now cold drink. "Sorry about that, I forgot about it." This done he sticks out his hand for payment, hey he still got it so her, right?

Murkat nods "It is a pleasure." he says staring into her warm grey eyes. Suddenly, he blinks, comming back to the present. "No, please, allow me." He puts his hand on top of her's, preventing her from putting down the mark. With his free hand, he reaches into his pouch and pulls out a couple of marks.

Jyfer shakes her head then glares at the barkeep. "It is /cold/." She frowns. "I'd like a new one, and I will /not/ let you pay Mur, I may not have a home but I'm not a beggar yet."

Karasa smiles at Meshach, waiting patiently for the sweet beat. Hey, life's full of setbacks, and she's willing to take 'em. She turns her gaze to Murkat. "Hey, Murkat!" she exclaims. "Where were you when I had to clean up that mess?"

OOC: Peydra eeps at the time. Gotta run!

Peydra goes home.