Let's Sing a Song

[virenn]

Drummer, beat and piper, blow.
Harper, strike and soldier, Go!
Free the flame and sear the grasses,
‘Till the dawning Red Star passes.

Ah, the wondrous HarperHall.

In all of Vareskel’s life, he could honestly say that there was nothing like it. It was structured beautifully, it had amazing sounds erupting from its rooms and halls and, best of all, the sound of mingling voices, each singing Pern’s ballads. Really, it was one of the best places in the world, in Vareskel’s opinion, though it was far from valid—he had been to very few places, after all.

Vareskel stepped away from the practice room, a contented smile on his face. The younger students were practicing today and, though they were not yet as talented as the older ones, they were still quite good. It was a shame that he couldn’t help them—it might have been fun.

Well, no need to worry about something that wouldn't happen; he had work to do. They needed him to run errands before going down to the records room to recopy some of the older, dustier records. If he were being honest with himself, he couldn’t fathom why they chose him to do the job—his handwriting was quite terrible, and could only be described as wherry scratch. Urgh.

First, he would do as instructed and make his rounds down to the MasterComposer, pick up the drafts of the new song, and see if he could help locate the MasterSinger to drop them off. With new songs to be learned, it was of utmost importance to keep everyone updated, and that often fell on various students to run errands. After that it was record duty. It was a shame, though, because he felt like practicing—drums, flute, guitar, vocals, anything, really!

Well aware that he couldn’t just deny the orders of his superiors, he began to make his way through the Harperhall, weaving and dodging people until he reached the courtyard.

No one said that he couldn’t take his time and enjoy the day, right?

Grinning broadly, Vareskel slowly made around the courtyard, making sure to greet everyone he knew and attempt to make a bit of conversation with them until they rushed off, claiming that they needed to get work done. Well, that wasn’t very fun! Why not just take a little time out of the day to enjoy what life offers?

[kia]

Since the current SearchRider and his dragon had been promoted to Sr. Weyrleadership, it was up to the few Riders of Dalibor Weyr to go on Searching, looking for Candidates for future Queen`s clutches. And who would have expected a Brown and his Rider to go Searching? Not many since the days of F`lar and Lessa. But Mikidith and Lio had been asked to go on duty. Well, it was a chance to stretch their wings and minds as they went exploring.

They had been to many Holds and sub-Holds, looking for Candidates. Mikidith was not as sensitive as Blues and Greens, but Mikidith could do the job. They had done it for their other Weyr in the past. And now they were on their way to HarperHall. HarperHall reminded Lio of R`ish, the PinkRider who had musical abilities. The Brown bugled in the air. Let's land in the grass before the Hall. Their building and alleys are too small for me, the dragon requested. The man chuckled and agreed. The Brown circled the land in front of the hall and landed there. Lio jumped up and put on a dignified look. He was a representative of Dalibor. Maybe while he was here, he could get a few instruments for some of the harpers that were in Dalibor.

[virenn]

Vareskel was going to walk as slowly as possible; he was in no rush, even if the entire hall was. He just wanted to find something interesting, really, and meant no harm by it. He was only going to be a little late, after all!

He found what he wanted up in the sky. It was a dragon and his rider circling an area of the HarperHall before landing. Vareskel looked around him, hoping that no one else had spotted the dragon and his rider… if they didn’t, he would have to do what was proper as a member of the Hall and find out if there was anything that they needed.

Satisfied that no one seemed to see the marvelous creature, Vareskel took it upon himself to go greet the duo. “My Lord,” he called out respectively once he stepped outside of the Hall, much like how he had seen others greet a rider when they arrived. “My name is Vareskel.” At this, he wasn’t sure what to say next, other than, “Maybe I could be of assistance to you?”

Vareskel had to fight to keep the grin off of his face; he never went this close to a dragon before, even though he was still a fair distance away.

[kia]

Mikidith, once Lio had jumped off his back, layed down on the grass and watched as his Rider stretched. Flying for most of the day was taking its toll on him. But there did not need to be any rush. It would be a while before Kalith and the new Gold Rose to mate. And even still, he was not sure of Mikidith would chase. But that was the big Brown's decision.

Then he saw someone coming. The man smiled as he saw a boy running towards them. He must be from Harper Hall. Why else would anyone, besides him, be out here? The mand stood up and watched as the by came up and introduced himself. Lio could only smile back. The boy was very sincere and seemed courageous for him to run out here by himself. Especially since Dalibor had renagades.

"My name is Lio, Rider of Brown Mikidith. It is nice to meet you, Vareskel. Maybe you can help me get something to drink and maybe someone who is in charge. I am here on Searching and I want permision from your masters for me possibly Search one of the boys or girls here. Would you be willing to help me with that?" he asked.

[virenn]

As Lio explained to Vareskel the reasons that he had arrived at the HarperHall for, he nodded. He got to assist the Dragonrider—that alone was a pretty big honor. He glanced over the man's shoulder, looking right at Mikidith. Who would be the lucky ones to catch the eye of this marvelous Brown?

Once Lio had finished, Vareskel nodded. He jabbed a thumb to his chest, saying, “Sir, I’m just the guy for you. The Masters are practicing for a new piece that was composed, but I’m sure we could locate one of them.” As far as he knew, there has never been a problem with Searchriders taking kids away for a Hatching, and usually everyone was excited for them. Briefly, he wondered who would be the ones to go; being Searched, after all, was an honor—though Harpers were important, Dragonriders were the ones who would save Pern!

He started walking back towards the building, before he paused and turned back around. “If you’d like, we could go down to the kitchens to get you a drink first. Or we can go and locate a Master.”

[kia]

Lio nodded. The boy was either too cocky or the boy was the right person to find the people for him. Either way, he did not see any other Harper boys or girls running out to greet him or answer him, so Vareskel would have to be his guide for now. But he really did not mind so much. So as the boy started to walk, Lio followed him, listening to his words. That was until the boy turned around and asked if he would prefer to get something to drink first. The Brown Rider smiled. "That is a good idea. My thirst is greater than looking for people right now. Of course, Miki is fine down there. He just ate a couple of days ago, so he will be find for another sevendays," Lio respond, jabbing a finger backwards toward Mikidith's direction.

Lio had never really been to Harper Hall before. He managed to get the directions from a local BlueRider who was out Searching as well. He looked back at the boy who was leading them into the walls and stones of Harper Hall. The boy was brave. That was a good quality in a Rider. But if was wanting to become a Rider, he was in competition with some of the other people who wanted to a Rider. Of course, that was Mikidith's job. Which meant once they found all the people who were interested in being a Rider, they would have to march down to the big Brown and have him take a look, or sniff, at.

[virenn]

Vareskel nodded as Lio told him that he would prefer to get a drink first, and as he told him about the dragon’s comfort, Vareskel mentally scolded himself for not asking if the Brown wanted anything. Still, the rider said he was fine, so that was always a good thing.

Well, as long as the Brown was relaxed and comfortable, Vareskel knew that he did not need to worry too much about him. He could then focus all of his attention on the rider, so that he could help him with whatever was needed.

Still, why did he feel a bit of disappointment that he had not caught the Brown’s eye? Did that just mean that he was meant to be a Harper, and nothing more or less? Vareskel shook the thought out of his head; that didn’t matter right now. What mattered now was getting the rider everything that he needed, from his drink down to the Masters.

“After a trip to the kitchens, I’ll bring you by the studio. There’s always bound to be at least one Master there at any given point of time.” Vareskel said as he led the Brownrider straight through the hall and right into the kitchens, where he could fetch the man something to drink. “Did you have anything in mind? Fresh klah, or wine maybe?” he asked once they entered the room. Once the rider answered, he would flag down one of the kitchen staff and they would get it for him.

[kia]

He was looking around and listening to the boy as he led him through the halls. He would look at his guide from time to time, wondering a few things when he did. Miki, what did you think of the boy? he asked his dragon, knowing that he was still awake. After all, it was Miki who chose the Candidate, not Lio. Lio just happened to be the rider and guider, nothing else.

He was brave enough to come right to us. He has a good heart and head on his shoulders. But I did not get a closer look at him. And we did not have permission yet, so I could not fully evaluate him. Bring him to me when you get a few other people. I will decide then if he deserves to be a Rider, Mikidith responded, rumbling a little when he did.

Lio chuckled mentally. "Thank you, Vareskel. I would like to talk to a Master as soon as possible. That way Miki and I don`t feel like we are traspassing here. And from there, we can begin Search. As for drink, no preference. What ever you have at the moment is fine with me," he responded, not really feeling picky about his drinks at the moment.

[virenn]

Vareskel nodded at Lio once he was told about drink preference and said, “I’ll see what some of the workers have on hand.” He looked around, spotting a small table. “Please take a seat, sir. I’ll be right back.” With that, he walked across the room, spoke to one of the members of the kitchen staff briefly before being urged to follow her.

When he returned, he was carrying a tray, two cups, and a pitcher of klah. “They told me that it’s best for dragonriders to be offered a cup of fresh klah, especially after long trips. It warms you up, right?” He placed the tray down, and took the two cups off it and placed it on the table. He smiled at the dragonrider, interested in striking up a bit of conversation while they sat. Harpers were, of course, pretty interested in conversation by nature. “What’s it like on the back of a dragon?” he asked as he poured the drink into Lio’s cup before placing it in front of him and filling his own. “I’ve never been a-dragonback before. It must be an experience.”

Once both cups were full, Vareskel sat down and gently picked up at his mug, cooling it down with a small breath before taking a sip.

[kia]

Lio watched him as he got up to get him something to drink. Mikidith was right. The boy seemed to have a good heart and head on his shoulder. He would most definately recommend that the boy be brought before Miki as well. And who knows, this Search would be done before it was started. But that was up to the Brown.

He smiled at the klah remark, knowing that someone somewhere knew their Rider information. "Yes, they are right. It gets the chills out of our bones," he replied. He took the cup and blew on it some, cooling it down before he touched it with his lips. He was not in any hurry, so why burn your mouth and tongue. He listened to the boy as the first question came out. It was the same one he had heard several times, but he never minded answering it. He sipped his drank for a moment as he thought about the words. "The only thing that comes to mind when riding a dragon is amazing. The adernaline rush and the feel of the wind going through your hair. Mind you we have to wear helmets too. But you look down, and at first fear grips you. You are so high up, you worry that you will fall. But when you realize that the dragon, your partner, is not going to let that happen to you, the fear subsides and this joy fills you. You feel like through your arms out to pretend you are flying along side your dragon. But that is not the best idea or else you really will fall off. But it is just amazing and life changing experience," he replied, smiling.

[virenn]

Vareskel listened to the words of the rider with enthusiasm and respect; to be a rider meant that he was among the best of the best—strong-willed and smart. Dragons chose the best for them, and would have no one else. That’s why hatchlings betweened themselves if there was no one suitable for them, he supposed. What an honor it must be to become a rider! There was a dragon that was yours, and only yours, who chose you because of your best qualities. Anyone worthy enough to Impress, no matter the personality, was worthy of praise. There was so much work that riders did to protect Pern, after all.

He had to admit that the image that Lio left him with sounded no less than wonderful. He could only imagine what it was like to first fly, both a-dragonback with any rider, then with Yours, if one were to Impress. What an experience it would be, he figured, to have so much trust in a dragon. Vareskel smiled warmly; who got that lucky?

“That must be beyond amazing,” Vareskel said. “Something that can only be imagined until experienced.” The boy took another sip at his klah before continuing. “Though it’s probably a candlestick compared to what it feels to Impress, I’d imagine!”

[kia]

Lio smiled for a second as he let the boy take in the images that he had created. And while the boy did this and spoke, Lio quickly downed his now cooled off klah. That really helped him. It was still warm enough to get the rest of the chills out of his body. But he was not going to ask for a second cup. He would be only returning to between soon again once the Search was over. Well, maybe if he got the job done soon enough, he could get all the klah he wanted at Dalibor Weyr. Ah, thought of that warmed him even further. Back to the Weyr with all those happy and delightful people.

"Flying is a wonderful experience. But Impressing, that is something words cannot describe. I can only tell you how it felt for me. But, then again, it feels different for everyone." He put the mug down and sat up, stretching his arms and back. "Well, I think it is time for me to continue my job. So, if you could lead me to your Master so I can get permission, I would much appreciate it. Also, just a little note for you, Miki has asked me to bring you back with me when I gather all the potential Candidates for him to look at. He wants to take a look at you. I think the fact that you came to greet us made him a little curious," he replied quickly.

[virenn]

Once Lio’s words rang through his head—when he said that it was time for him to continue his job—Vareskel took a quick glance down at his mug. It was cool enough, so he, much like the rider who sat in front of him, drowned down the contents. As soon as he tasted the distinct flavor of cinnamon, he knew that if he had to select a favorite drink, it would be klah, without a doubt.

He was about to tell the man that he’d find a Master right away, when he told him that his Brown wanted to see him as well. For a second, Vareskel didn’t know what to say. Really? He thought. His dragon wanted to see me?

The brown wanted to see him specifically—whether or not he would be a Candidate or not did not really occur to him as he smiled. Was it really only because he decided to greet the Hall’s honored guests? If it was, he did not care. Seeing the Brown again would be worth it. “It would be my honor to go back with you to see your dragon.” He stood up, sliding the chair back into place.

He was about to pick up the two mugs, tray, and pitcher when the staff member—the one he had asked about the drink earlier—waved him out. With a thankful smile, he started to walk towards the exit. “Follow me, sir. I’ll bring you by the Studio.”

It was not a long walk, really. He ushered the man towards a different hallway that lead them further into the Harper Hall, and opened the door to the studio, sticking his head in first. Vareskel scanned the room quickly, before he spotted the Master. Opening the door wider, and stepping out of the way so that Lio could also enter, the boy pointed the man out, though he knew that the rider would be able to single him out based on his knots. “He’s right over there, near the guitars.”

[kia]

Lio smiled when he saw the boy`s expressions and attitude change when he gave him the message. The boy was trying to be calm, he could tell. What young person would not at least be happy or somewhat excited to hear that a dragon wanted to see them? But he just smiled and nodded when the boy replied. So now they were off to find a Master in this place. He followed the boy as it did not take them long to get to the place where he was to meet the Master. He walked in the room and looked around, noticing a man with many knots on his shoulder sleeve. He smiled at the boy again. "Just wait here. I am going to need you to guide me around once this is over," he replied, needing the boy still.

He walkedup to the man and stopped, holding his hand out. He was on equal level with this man, so there was going to be some formality. But Lio was not always formal, so he either hoped this went fast or he could get this guy to let his guard down so there would not be much tension in the air. "Excuse me sir. My name is L`can, but please call my Lio. I am from Dalibor Weyr and I was hoping to get your permission to Search here. It would not be right for me to just suddenly take a student from you and the marvelous Harper Hall without permission," he said, smiling.