Thirsty Work {Tag: Jannasper}

[S'yloa]

Time Reference: Directly after "Sailing". During "The Tour" and "Triage of Tragedy". (Day 20 of the EIC general quarantine)

---

The green dragon appeared in the skies above Rivers Crossing Hold. Her hide shone in the sunlight as she circled above. Shortly thereafter three green fire-lizards appeared in a small V-formation. They caught the dragon's tail winds and sailed down at the same velocity as their larger cousin. The group circled the hold in a gradually descending pattern that allowed anyone outside a good view of the underside of the dragon. Shadows passed over the Hold proper as Engmyth politely announced her presence with a low warble and then swooped into the best landing area. Her smaller size and agile landing capabilities allowed her to set her precious cargo close to the Hold's out-laying buildings. 

Once the light dust settled, the rider dismounted with a single jump to the ground, foregoing assistance from a friendly foreleg. He removed his helmet and shook out his hair. Long hair unusual for dragonriders to begin with, this particular greenrider was a familiar site at the Holds, especially when Great Cliffs Weyr had a clutch on the sands.

Although sure they'd caused a stir and expecting company at any moment, S'yloa still took a moment to fasten his helmet to his belt and his hair into a runner's tail. His grey eyes swept the area with a hopeful look and he licked his lips. His face had a somewhat flushed appearance but he had - after all - been riding on a dragon. And that was tiring according to some. 

[Narrator]

Of course, the searchrider caused a stir! Children rushed down the street screaming and waving their hands with excitement and several other holdfolk followed suit by abandoning their tasks to see the novelty of the dragon up close. They knew, they just knew that this meant someone or somones could be Searched in the near future. Though the holdfolk had mixed reactions to this, skeptics stayed on their personal tasks and ignored the greenrider's arrival. Lady Niceta herself busy elsewhere did not attend the general rush. A group of holdfolk summoned drudges to bring refreshments for the 'rider...

[Jannasper]

Like so many others at River Crossing Hold, Jannasper stopped and looked up as a shadow passed over. He had just returned with a bucket of fresh water to continue cleaning the floors in the kitchen. He gaped at the green dragon as she slowly circled down, his hazel eyes growing bigger with wonder. He was new to River Crossing, so didn't know why the dragon rider had come, but the reason why didn't matter. This was the closest he'd ever been to a dragon that he could remember. He stared at her and her rider as he dismounted. He wanted to join the others rushing to meet the rider, but a grizzly voice behind him gave him a start.

"What're ya doin' boy?!" Aburez shouted as he came up from behind Jannasper. The boy stood up straighter as his master approached.

"Just lookin' sir," Jannasper replied simply. "I've never seen a dragon this close."

"And why would you? Dragons don't go looking for scrawny, useless boys like you," Aburez glared at him, but Jannasper's wide-eyed expression remained unchanged.  "Get back ta work." He slapped Jannasper's shoulder hard, setting the boy off balance, and nearly causing him to spill his water.  

"Yes sir," Jannasper said, but couldn't help looking wistfully at the dragon again.

Aburez was about to berate the boy again when there was a call for refreshments for the rider. Aburez grumbled irritably. The boy was going to be useless as long as the rider was here. He turned on Jannasper again. "Well, what are you waiting for boy? Go get the rider a drink! And not one of them cheap wines mind you! You bring one of the good wine skins!"

Jannasper stared almost unbelieving for a moment, but then jumped into motion. "Yes sir!" he said again, a wide grin growing on his face. He set his bucket down and bounded through the kitchens, neatly avoiding several of the women to fetch a wine skin and cup. He couldn't read the labels on the wine skins, but he knew by sight which skins had what Aburez called the 'good wines'. He grabbed one and a clean cup before his long legs had him running out of the kitchens and toward the other surrounding the dragonrider. He stood behind a few of the other drudges that had already arrived with sweet cakes and fruit for the rider, though his eyes were glued on the green dragon, his expression caught between awe and excitement.

[S'yloa]

As the other humans began to arrive, the green dragon swung her triangular-shaped head toward them. The ripples of color in her faceted eyes shifted back and forth as though she "looked" at various individuals perhaps even focusing on Jannasper but he was in a crowd of people. Engmyth's eyes whirred a fast blue-green indicating her current mood of course as pleasant and cheerful. Not that she (or S'yloa) expected the holdfolk to know that. Some did but most only clamored for their attention with drinks and snacks.

Despite loving the attention, S'yloa held up his hands with a laugh as his eyes shone.  "Oh, you're all far too kind. Those buns smell delightful, freshly-baked I'd warrant too. Mmmm - " Though he moved closer to the drudges with the foodstuff, the dragonrider wanted to do his duty first and then relax." - but first, I have good news! Engmyth asked me to land because she sensed some worthy folks here! I'm excited to announce we're here to officially Search some lucky people."

Engmyth sent S'yloa images of the faces of those she sensed had whatever it took to be a dragonrider. That special presence that certain empathic dragons could feel. His gaze swept over the crowd and landed on a teenager here and a young girl there. That one. And that one. " - you miss, what's your name? Would you mind finding your folks to make sure they're all right if I sweep you off to the Weyr?" He waited long enough to watch the shocked girl's reaction as she rushed off to do his bidding.

S'yloa continued. "And you, my fine fellow..." the greenrider's gaze settled onto a dark-haired youth in his late teens. "...my Engmyth thinks we can make a dragonrider out of you too. Care to accompany us to the Weyr?" He selected several others.

A green fire-lizard swooped low and landed on his shoulder. The other two landed on the dragon's head and sat there, watching the proceedings. Though they too had a high degree of empathy and could feel out that specific quality that the draconic kind appreciated, they did not assist in choosing Candidates. That task lay in the hands of the dragon and her rider.

Those who lived here in turns past (Aburez for example) knew S'yloa had not the room for all of them on a single trip but the rider had enough room in his saddle for two of the now-Candidates at a time. He usually ferried them to the Weyr (one hoped) via going between enough times to collect them all.

Those two. That girl. And that one. Really? Are you sure about that? Engmyth snorted. Of course. Hm... interesting choice. I'm not wrong. Of course not, lovely. You never are about these things. But you do surprise me still on occasion. S'yloa sensed Engmyth felt pleased with herself. 

Once he'd singled out five of the children, the greenrider finished his approach to the serving drudges. He spared the barest glance toward them before he selected a piece of fruit, which he stashed in large belt pouch for later, and one of the sweet cakes. "Mmm, smells so good." He stuffed half of it into his mouth and offered a chunk to Charmer. The fire-lizard took the piece in both front feet and began to eat it with quick, large bites that she didn't really chew only swallowed in haste for fear of one of the twins arriving to steal her snack.

S'yloa in the meantime chewed as he looked at the other drudges and his attention came to rest on the drudge with the wineskin. His mouth still full and not wanting to speak with his mouth full, the greenrider looked at the young lad until he got the drudge's attention and with a head jerk and a brief hand gesture, indicated that the boy should come to him.

[Jannasper]

Jannasper stood with the other drudges, waiting for the Dragonrider to conduct his business. He stared at the green dragon, awed by her beauty. He was entranced by the swirls of blues and greens in her eyes, and he imagined, just for a moment, that she looked back at him. 

He watched her rider start singling out boys and girls from the crowd, thinking how lucky they were. In his mind, there was no greater honor than to serve the protectors of Pern as a rider. He had been saved by a dragonrider. At least, that's what he'd been told. But after seeing them fighting thread fall after fall, he believed it. But he knew he would never share in that honor. He had been told time and time again, no dragon would want him, especially since coming to River Crossing. And his master wouldn't lie to him. So he would serve any other way he could, even if it was just to offer her rider a drink.

Jannasper watched the rider approach and take some of the offered food. He got a goofy grin on his face as the rider's fire lizard gulped down the treat. It took but a moment for the rider to get his attention. Jannasper quickly moved past the other drudges at the rider's nod. He offered S'yloa the cup and then carefully opened the skin. "I hope this pleases you sir," he said, forgetting himself in his excitement and daring to speak to him. He poured the rich, red liquid into the cup.

[S'yloa]

The green dragon continued to watch the crowd. For those courageous enough to dare approach her, she rewarded them by being very still so as not to startle them. The fire-lizards on her head chuckled and chirped softly back and forth to themselves with such regularity that one might think them engaged in a conversation. Perhaps they were...


As soon as S'yloa did get the boy's attention, his eyes never left his new server. S'yloa watched the boy who poured his drink with keen interest, his gaze slid over the top of the boy's head and shoulders. When he'd finished pouring, S'yloa lifted the cup to his face and inhaled the aroma but didn't drink it just yet. "Mmm..." he said, his eyes still on Jannasper. "...yes, it pleases me. Or rather you do." He chuckled at some private joke. "You're a handsome lad..." The greenrider's grin grew ever so, and an eager light shone in his gaze. "...what's your name, boy?" He took a drink of his wine then and swallowed it with another sound of pleasure.

[Jannasper]

Jannasper didn't notice S'yloa's scrutiny as he was being extra careful to not spill any of the wine. If it was possible, his smile grew wider as the green rider spoke to him. He stood up a little taller as the rider not only spoke to him, but complimented him! He didn’t think about his stained tunic that was slightly too big, or his dirty trousers which were several inches too short since his last growth spurt. All that mattered to him was that the green rider had noticed him. “Thank you sir!” he said enthusiastically. “I’m Jannasper! You are very good looking. And your dragon is really pretty!” He returned the compliment as his mother had taught him turns ago. "Thank you for all you do for us on the ground!"

Aburez watched the exchange with mild interest. He didn’t believe the boy would be searched. No dragon would want a drudge. But the rider seemed interested in him. While he didn’t care for some dragon rider’s proclivities, he wasn’t one to let an opportunity go to waste. He moved a little closer to try to listen in on S’yloa’s words.

[S'yloa]

S'yloa sipped the wine again and his eyes shone as he peered over the rim of his cup toward the newly introduced Jannasper.  "Me? Good looking," he lowered his cup again and offered the empty vessel to the boy again. Chiming a soft laugh that at a distance reminded most of a woman's, the greenrider dared to ruffle the drudge's hair with his free hand and left his fingers to linger in the dirty locks perhaps a little longer than necessary.

"My my, you are a charmer, Jannasper. Just like my little friend here - " he gave the green fire-lizard on his shoulder a brief scratch under her chin. "Her name is Charmer." The fire-lizard in question cooed in response to the petting. "I'm S'yloa and my pretty dragon is Engmyth. I can tell you're new here. I'd remember a handsome boy like you, mhm. Besides - " he added with a hand wave " - everyone knows me here, I'm Great Cliffs' Searchrider. We only have the one you see because my Engmyth is clever enough to figure out who will make the best dragonriders." S'yloa winked at Jannasper.

Being a familiar face, Aburez's presence in the immediate vicinity didn't register as unusual, so S'yloa only spared a brief glance and a nod toward Aburez when he moved closer. Due to the small crowd that still lingered around them, S'yloa didn't make the connection between Aburez and Jannasper. The other male could have been lingering to ensure he had everything he needed because that was the way of the Rivers Crossing holdfolk. They were good to the dragonriders as they should be and S'yloa certainly enjoyed being the center of attention even if - for the most part - the crowd were more interested in Engymth than her rider. The duo had some time to kill while they waited for the new Candidates to be ready to depart so they had nothing else to do but wait. Despite the others lingering around, this boy had managed to catch the majority of S'yloa's attention.

[Jannasper]

Jannasper refill S’yloa’s empty cup. He grew a little bashful as S’yloa ruffled his hair, casting his eyes downward. It had been a long time since someone showed him any such kindness. He took that kindness at face value, not thinking it could be meant as anything else. “Me? Nah,” he said, shaking his head self-consciously. “I just told the truth.” He glanced back up at the fire lizard. “She’s awfully pretty too. Greens really like you!” He beamed at the green rider’s wink. “I am sir! I came here several sevendays ago!” He looked back at Engmyth. “So she’s super smart and pretty!” The awe in his face grew.

Aburez noticed S’yloa’s lingering touch. He decided to be bold and approached the rider. “Greenrider S’yloa! You honor us with your presence!” the slightly more squat man said. “I hope the boy has been treating you with respect.” His voice took on an admonishing tone with the last few words. Jannasper tensed up at Aburez’s voice, casting his eyes back down from both dragon and rider.

[S'yloa]

"Mmm - " S'yloa went to lift the refilled cup to his lips but Jannasper's words caused him to falter as with a laugh he replied, "yes greens do rather like me! I like them too. Green is my favorite color after all. Hahah, yes she is both smart and pretty."

I like him. Engmyth preened at all the compliments and the blue in her eyes swirled faster, engulfing the facets until the entire surface throbbed a livid ceruleum. Mhm, I like him too love. Perhaps he can - S'yloa never finished his thought as the approaching man distracted him and broke up their conversation. He recognized the man from Turns of Searching the Holds. I don't think he is the parent of a Searched, I wonder why he's come over? I do not like him. S'yloa stifled a giggle.

"Fair skies to you, good Aburez!" Replied the greenrider with a broad smile and he lifted his cup in a silent salute. "It is always a pleasure to visit a welcoming Hold." Upon hearing Aburez's question, S'yloa's brows furrowed and his mouth curved in a frown he cast a glance toward Jannasper. In a truly disappointed tone, he added, "Oh? Is he yours?" In the next moment, the furrow faded, replaced with a large smile and S'yloa inclined his head. "Yes, the boy's treating me with respect. He's well-trained, a credit to his master." S'yloa smiled and sipped his wine.

[Jannasper]

“The pleasure is all ours,” Aburez said genially. “Tuirith’s clutch is getting close to hatching, eh? Looks like you’re making some lads and lasses happy.” S’yloa frown didn’t go unnoticed by the assistant steward. “Aye, the boy looks to me,” he replied with a nod. “He’s come to us by way of Southern. He’s still learning our ways here.” He gave Jannasper another stern look, but the boy didn’t see it, as he kept his eyes down. He seemed pleased by that. “But to the boy’s credit, he does pick things up quick. And unlike some others I could name, he does what he’s asked without complaint. Right now, he goes where he’s needed, be it the kitchens, the barn and everywhere in between. Do you have a need Greenrider?” Aubrez kept his expression cordial.

Jannasper was surprised by Aburez’s positive words about him. He never heard anything like that from his new master. He stole a quick glance back at Engmyth and S’yloa. He expected to be sent away now that Aburez was here. At least he had this good memory to keep. He didn’t have very many.

[S'yloa]

"Yes, sir, we have nearly thirty eggs on the Sands and not enough Candidates. It is keeping Engmyth and me busy!" S'yloa laughed softly. Pleased by the man's reaction to him, since it was a far cry from the usual dragonrider reception at Kajano Hold, S'yloa's smile broadened. Noises and laughter approached them and S'yloa looked beyond Aburez to see the first of the new Candidates returning. It was a girl and a boy, both Searched, who turned out to be siblings.

When Aburez mentioned that the boy "went where needed", the greenrider's brows jumped and he canted his head to one side so his hair slid around on his shoulder and back. A reaction of genuine surprise because the phrase implied so much. With a one shouldered shrug, he lifted his cup to finish the second round. As he lowered it, his eyes gleamed as he slid them toward Jannasper with a quick sideways glance that seemed to suggest so much he didn't say. He returned his gaze to Aburez and inclined his head in a small affirming gesture. "Mhm... a need. A powerful need. That's a good word." His brows jumped. "Do you have - " S'yloa covered his mouth as he laughed again. " - perhaps we can make an arrangement?"



Engmyth had her head turned toward Jannasper so his eyes met one of her blue-green ones and when their gazes met, the green dragon's eyes whirled faster. She did not say anything to him, no mental nudges alerted him to her thoughts but the dragon also did not look elsewhere - even when the two new Candidates arrived.

[Jannasper]

"Thirty?! Shards, man!" Aburez exclaimed. "Boy! Refill his cup! He's going to need it." He snapped his fingers at Jannasper, who moved quickly at Aburez's command. He carefully refilled S'yloa's cup, glad he wasn't being sent away.

“Perhaps,” Aburez replied, scratching the stubble on his chin as if considering the idea. “Unlike some other holds, River Crossing knows its duty to the Weyr. Satisfying the Weyr’s needs, especially powerful ones, is our duty. What did you have in mind?” His expression remained amiable, but inwardly, he was practically jumping for joy at the thought of having a dragonrider in his debt.

Jannasper was only half listening to Aburez and S’yloa. He had more felt than saw Engmyth staring at him, and dared to meet the dragon’s gaze. He found himself being pulled in by the whirling blue eyes, and in that moment wished more than anything to not be separated from them.

[S'yloa]

S'yloa covered his mouth with his free hand as he laughed at Aburez's declaration. "It's not so many. Some lay up to forty or even fifty so I've been told in the good times. During a Pass, the queen always lays more of course...." and he turned his attention the Jannasper as the boy refilled his cup for the third time. "Yes, Rivers Crossing has been good to the Weyr. I know we appreciate your Lady Niceta's generous tithes... no, no I couldn't - " said the greenrider though it was difficult to tell if he meant the wine or the boy so affixed his attention to the top of Jannasper's head.

"What do I have in mind?" Now they'd come to it, S'yloa hesitated. "I - he's so - mmmm." Now it was S'yloa's turn to consider what to say. He alternated between staring at his wine and sneaking glances at Jannasper as he hummed and hawed. Either he was deciding on the spot or the subject made him shy. S'yloa tucked his chin and lifted only his grey gaze as he replied to Aburez with a small smile. "Do you think well, would you be willing to well... sell him to me?"

[Jannasper]

“Maybe not to you,” Aburez chided goodnaturedly. “Aye, the good times. Hopefully we are returning to those.” He threw his chin out when Jannasper seemed to waiver, indicating the boy should continue pouring. “Enjoy the food and drink here while you can Greenrider. You may not get as warm a welcome elsewhere.” His voice held a tone of disdain.

It was Aburez’s turn to show some surprise. He had expected to lend the boy out. He wasn’t expecting a full buyout offer. “Hmm,” he said, and stroked his chin again, as if it required serious consideration. “He is a tireless worker. Never talks back, never questions.” He stopped again and looked at Jannasper. “But, after all that talk about giving the Weyr its due, I would be making a liar of myself if I were to refuse! Name your price!” He laughed jovially..

Jannasper looked quizzically between Aburez and S’yloa, not sure what was making his master so happy, as he had not been paying complete attention to their conversation.