Chores and lounging (Open!)

[ignisfatuus]

Jansen bit his lower lip slightly as he thought, face still angled towards the ground as his forehead was resting on his knee. He wasn't sure whether he wanted the greenrider to that he was seriously considering this. No risk, no reward, eh? It's not like he'd probably impress any way. From what he had heard the hatching was to be soon, it might co-inside with his leg healing. G'tet seemed to what, and how, to say things to persuade a guy. If he was in a more normal state, Jansen would almost certainly not be impressed with how easily he was persuaded. But it certainly all made sense right now.

As G'tet's sister returned with the healer, Jansen decided that he would use the greenrider to stand once more. Only this time he wasn't waiting for the offer. He took hold of the other guy's wrist and pulled himself up. He then proceeded to hold onto G'tet's shoulder so that he could take the weight off his bad ankle as he stood there.
"Sorry 'bout that" Jansen said quietly to G'tet. He had yet to acknowledge either the presence of Genet or the healer. "Say I do stay, would I be able to get some wood, and maybe a whetstone? Plus someone would need to tell the Caminar where I am..."

[Invisible]

G’tet withheld his laughter although it was merry enough to cause Kalpeth to amble closer to see what so amused her rider. Say I do stay indeed. Got you hooked now, fellow. Well and hooked because everyone dreams and it’s just a matter of finding an in to something that might resemble that dream. Self-satisfaction welled within, but all he showed was concern on his features when Jansen used him to stand.

“No need, Jansen, no need at all. Got to stand somehow. Shall I leave you to the tender mercies of the healer or escort you to the grand infirmary myself?” Now it was all a joking matter nearly. Haha. See how I jest with you, fellow? We’re all fine here. The healer is not trying his best to conceal a glower at Genet for dragging him out for one of the Caminar. Genet is not staring curiously at the hurt man. Nope. None of that.

“I imagine we could find something for you to do while you convalesce,” he finally answered. “And, we can send someone for your things. Just tell me where and I’ll see it done. Why, we can send Genet right now!” Said with a sly glance at his sister because he did love sending her running around. She responded by sticking her tongue out at her brother and was rewarded with another yank of her braid. “Now, now. Respect the rider, Genet or I’ll report you to the weyrlingmaster.” He may have been joking with his sister, but he kept an eye on Jansen. Couldn’t risk running him off now.

[ignisfatuus]

For the first time since he arrived, Jansen looked at the healer a frowned a little. 'I do not think his mercies will be too tender somehow.' Jansen probably wasn't endearing himself to the man by talking about him as if he wasn't there. But there we go, the Caminar boy did not care in the slightest to be completely honest. He was a means to an end. This man would help his ankle. While his ankle healed, he would think things over again, when he was in a more fit state. Then in a few days, if he could not longer stand the thought of standing or remaining the Weyr any longer he could just sneak out one evening. This seemed like a sensible plan. Resigned to the fact that he would be staying a very short while at the very least, he said:
'So it would probably be best for you to escort me.'

He watched as the grown siblings acted like small children and shook his head. Jansen was fairly certain that he'd get a slap round the back of the head for acting like thatwith his siblings. But it was amusing to watch them interact. Genet must be fit if she is often sent on her brother's errands like this. 'If Genet doesn't mind than she could go. All she, or anyone else who went, would have to do is go to the camp and say she needs to collect some of Jansen's things and they'd point her in the right direction. My family would sort the things out for her.'

[Invisible]

Genet did not seem to mind for she gave her brother a mocking sort of salute before repeating, “Jansen, family, his things,” to be sure she got it right and then bounding off for the gathered wagons across the bowl. It did not take long for her to be out of earshot.

Once he was sure she was on the way G’tet turned back to Jansen. “Nonsense. This fellow will do what’s right if he knows what’s good for him.” A glare was given to the healer who merely nodded stiffly. “You keep in mind whatever he may be you don’t like, journeyman, he’s also a candidate now.” At these words the healer didn’t even bother to hide his grimace of distaste. He might not say anything, but he certainly thought G’tet insane for searching one of the invading Caminar.

Ignoring the man who was forced to simply wait for the other two, G’tet steadied Jansen and began to walk him to the infirmary. “I’m sure Genet will alert the weyrlingmaster when she gets back that there’s a new candidate so that will be taken care of. Usually there’s a little speech and such. We’ll just skip that as you’re no wet behind the ears holderboy. But, if you’ve questions I’ll do my best to answer. It’s not so long since I was in your place. Well, minus the injury.”

[ignisfatuus]

Jansen could not, and did not even try to, hide his smirk when the healer was put in his place by G'tet. It was intriguing just how much power and authority the riders seem have over most, erm, non-riders. This would be another aspect of things he would have to think about later. Maybe he should draw a pros and cons list about this whole thing... But either way, this healer was an example of why Jansen did not usually like plantado.(Yay hypocrisy) Just one look at him and the healer had decided he was bad news. His look had said it all really. Maybe the riders themselves were like G'tet, or perhaps he was just an oddity. One of a few anomalies who searched Caminar. Time would tell...

"Any questions?" Jansen thought for a few moments as G'tet helped him hobble along. "What's it like living in the Weyr? What sort of duties and such does a rider have to do?"

[Invisible]

G’tet wondered if he ought to apologize to the healer later. After all, it’s not like he was overly thrilled to have searched a Caminar, but still. Kalpeth had made it clear, in her own special way, and she was not to be denied. Well, perhaps a word anyway to remind the man that although he may not be pleased about it the traders /were/ guests at the Weyr and if he could not behave in the proper manner perhaps he ought to seek a transfer from his hall. Whether or not to mention it to his wingleader…he wondered what the man would say when found out G’tet had searched Jansen. Ah, well, no sense worrying now.

Right now he had to worry about getting the fellow to the infirmary and hoping his sister encountered no troubles on her errand. He knew she could take care of herself, but he felt a twinge of guilt sending her in among those people. Still, if there was trouble he’d know about it. Genet always could make a scene he thought with pride.

“Well, it’s pretty good, if you ask me. Even a lowly greenrider like myself gets some respect.” G’tet said it with amusement, not any sort of bitterness at his lot. He was quite happy with his Kalpeth. “Drills, drills, drills, fellow. Got to always be drilling, well, not always depending on your wingleader. But, no one ever forgets our first duty is to fight thread even if there’s none right now. You get watches sometime to keep an eye out for caravans and the like. Ferrying guests to and fro can be fun so I never mind that. Same as courier duty if you’re needed to take something somewhere or pick something up. Honestly, it’s about the easiest thing I can think of to do. Not so backbreaking as farming which is what I was in line for at home.” It was hardly unusual to make it all sound like a grand adventure while glossing over any rough patches. Besides, G’tet found it all a lark despite his ability to always seem so dependable. What a shock it still was four turns later to realize where and what he was.

“There’s also the women,” he added as an afterthought. And the men, but it doesn’t seem like that’s your thing. “Plenty to choose from if that’s your desire. And always willing to do you any special favor you can think of if you ask right.”

[ignisfatuus]

(Aww, poor Jansen. People seem to not want him at the Weyr just about as much as he doesn't want to be there himself. Also I rant here muchly as I typed what ever came to mind with my eyes closed. Sorry.)

As G'tet described life in the weyr, Jansen made more mental notes to use when he was deciding later on. It sounded like life as a dragon rider was generally about as mundane as life for most other people. There was routine and inane tasks that one had to perform. Only with the riders they had the addition aspect of having another living, breathing creature mentally bonded to them. By all accounts, Dragon and Rider could communicate telepathically and their thoughts and feelings could be easily know by the other.

By the sound of things, there were a lot of drills. No doubt in order to keep both rider and dragon alert and in practice for when Thread began to fall. When his mind got to that part of a Riders life, it suddenly sounded a whole lot less mundane. Even though there is such a large gap between passes, the riders always had to be prepared to risk their lives for the sake of all the other people living on Pern. They were absolutely necessary. Only people tended to for get this during the intervals. Thread become a Legend and people sometimes resent sending the tidings to the weyrs.

Though the number of drills was dependent on your wingleader? This sounded mildly interesting. It was nice to know that there wasn't a set routine for drills for the whole entire Weyr. That would be a little dull. This way allowed for the individual wingleaders to work in a manner that suited them best. That way was more likely to get the best results than a method the person in charge was not comfortable with. And as G'tet had said, there was no back breaking farming. Not that there was much to do of a back breaking nature with the Caminar. For him it was the occasional hunt and the gathering of wood. But the latter happened reasonably infrequently if you were good at getting enough usable wood.

The final point which the G'tet made surprised Jansen slightly. He hadn't ever really thought much about women. (Men had never crossed his mind at all) He was too interested in his work usually and at the gather he was too busy catching up with Kaim to pay much attention to any attention that he received. In retrospect, he wondered why his parents had yet to arrange a marriage for him. Maybe they had tried but no one would agree to it... nah. He had always been content with his life as it was and was not envious of his friend being married already. Maybe if he joined the Weyr things would change. Oh so much to think about, so many different points to weigh up and consider. But he would have time galore to decide. Well maybe not galore. Enough time. His ankle was already feeling better. Jansen failed to (or rather refused to) acknowledge that this development was mainly due to the aid he was getting with walking rather than his ankle magically healing. It was throbbing nicely at present. It was amazing how much more attention parts of the body demanded when there was something wrong. He couldn't help but notice his ankle, in some part of his mind at the very least.

'Tell me G'tet... Bar the obvious colouration and size difference between the different types of dragons, is there much else different between them all?'

[Invisible]

G’tet tried not to over-talk the poor fellow limping along beside him. He likely needed plenty of time to think. He spared a part of his brain for Genet and hoped she was having no trouble. At least none she couldn’t get out of. The healer wasn’t even given a thought. The man was rude enough that he did not feel bad having him fetched and then making him walk all the way back before letting him tend the patient. Besides, in the infirmary he could hopefully find someone at least more neutral to tend the candidate. Perhaps Kleo would be working. She had a soft spot for anyone.

There had been enough silence that the question nearly surprised G’tet. It took him aback a moment, until he reminded himself that, being Caminar, Jansen would know even less than he had when he’d been brought to Telgar four turns ago.

“Well, your bronzes will be your wingleaders. And your weyrleader. But a brownrider could rise as far as wingsecond. I suppose…well, it’s said in the past there was a brownrider or two who made it to wingleader. I suppose it depends on the weyrleader’s opinion of the matter since it’s his call. Your blues and your greens, we’re the main force. We’re too important to bother with designing drills and keeping people in line.” Which was, most definitely, not the prevailing opinion in the Weyr, but it was one who suited G’tet the greenrider just fine.

He let this all sink in before continuing. “We spend more time acting courier, but less time ferrying around your important people. Important people, it is believed, deserve a dragon of a better station.” Any bitterness over this fact was well-concealed behind an amused grin and a laugh. "Oh!" he added a second later as if it had just occurred to him. "And your greens are girls, of course, which means flights are a bit different for you than the other fellows."

[ignisfatuus]

"Important people are silly then, the colour and rank of the dragon shouldn't make a difference to them. Acting as a courier sounds like a better job that ferrying people around though. Don't have to deal with any of their fussing." Jansen said in a derisive tone. Being from a class of people who were usually viewed to be at the lower end of the social spectrum, never worried about how things might look to others. While to these so called important people a bronze would obviously be far better than a blue to carry them, because of how it would look to those who would see rather than the dragons actual ability. Jansen was generally astonished by the level of signicance people put on the colouration and size of these creatures. Yes the larger bronzes were better for mating with the Queens, And their sizes, he could see, would have an impact on how they fought against Thread. But it didn't make sense to him that a Bluerider who might make an excellent wingleader, wouldn't be because of the fact that he has a blue. Jansens shook his head a little. People.

Jansen couldn't help but hide his surprise at the news that Greens were female. This was something that he probably should have know but he had never paid much attention to dragon lore.
"Greens are female...but men impress them... so when they rise, their male riders...." This was a concept that Jansen had trouble getting his head around. It didn't make much sense to him at all.

[Invisible]

“Important people, my dear Jansen, make the world go ‘round. Or so they would tell you and have you believe.” G’tet was amused by the words the Caminar spoke and wondered what went on behind them. Oh, Kal, if he impresses I think some people are in for a world of surprises. The greenrider was internally gleeful over that fact. If you didn’t stir things up they could get mighty boring after all. In response the green only supplied the mental equivalent of a snort. She wasn’t even sure who was being talked about after all.

“There are, I am forced to admit, reasons why you only see the larger dragons as wingleaders. Even if it must pain me to do so.” A shrug of his shoulders showed how little he seemed to care either way. “During thread a brown or bronze are the only ones who can stay up the whole time. Be hard to have a wingleader who had to leave you halfway through. So, there’s one reason and to my mind the only valid one.”

The other topic was much more delicate. G’tet himself had been a bit startled to consider the implications of what it meant to have a green. Holdbred as he was he’d never even known that two men could…well. He wasn’t sure he was entirely successful in keeping the blush from his cheeks because even after four turns it could still turn a mind to blushing when considering. Still, he had to tread lightly, if not too much so and leave the man feeling he was lied to later on. “I’ll be honest with you, Jansen. If you impress at all you’re going to find yourself caught up in a flight. A bronze is less likely to wind up in bed with a man over it since they’re no good at catching something agile like a green. Slow and ponderous golds, sure, but not a green.”

Little harm, he thought, in giving the man some hope. “The thing to remember is, it’s just a flight. You don’t have to fancy men to wind up with one when a dragon rises. It’s not you, it’s them. And it’s not like you’ll win every flight that your dragon chases in. Losing, I’m told, is just a matter of finding some willing body afterwards. Now a greenrider…Well, we don’t have much choice in it. She goes up and we’re in it for the long haul.” And maybe, if he’s giving hope he can risk a little tease. Especially with the walking wounded. “Could be you and me someday. Won’t matter if you hate me for searching you, you’ll want me because whatever he you have wants her. Only way to avoid that, of course, is to get a green yourself.” Or not stand, but if you wimp out on me I’ll leave you to the healer’s tender mercies.

[ignisfatuus]

Jansen tried to withdraw from G'tet slightly, eyes wide with...shock? Horror? Something akin to that. From what he heard Greens rose reasonably frequently which meant that G'tet had...Jansen's line of thought was broken when he almost lost his ballance. This made him swiftly realise that trying to withdraw from him meant that he was less stable, seeing how G'tet was helping to keep him steady and all. So after a quick evaluation of the situation, Jansen put 'falling face first onto the ground' higher on the list of things he did not want to happen than 'being in close proximity to the greenrider'. It was a close call though.

"The-the thing is G'tet, while it seems to be a common occurance in the Weyr, it is viewed as a taboo by my people, by the Caminar. Being with a man that is." Jansen had been raised to think this way, that men should be with woman. End of. This all threw a spanner in the works, so to say. Jansen barely noticed how flushed he had become. "It would be better if girls impressed Greens rather than men..." Jansen muttered "But... but say if I still stood, and ended up with a bronze, I probably wouldn't...have to...youknow... right?"

[Invisible]

“Men should be with women, women should be with men…It’s not men and women we’re talking about, Jansen. It’s riders. And if you impress that’s what you’ll be. A Caminar one, sure, and we got a few about, but you’re a rider. That makes it a whole other game and nothing your people think will make a bit of difference when some girl is in the air and your boy wants to chase her.” G’tet tried, he really did, because he remembered what he’d been through. It’s not as if at the hold it was commonplace or spoken about at all. But Jansen had to be around his age which made him old enough to deal with it.

His eyebrows shot up at the mention of girls on greens and he snorted. “No girl can sit a fighting dragon. That’s gotta be one of the more ridiculous things I ever heard. And all so you wouldn’t have to worry about bedding down with a man during flight lust? Even if there were a good reason to let a girl try that is not it. Shells, man! Be a man about it.” The arm not assisting the Caminar walk gestured at himself and calloused fingers tapped the greenrider’s chest.

“I’m no less a man for riding green and anyone that says so will get at least one fist to the face. But, if you got a bronze…well, your chances would be less. It could still happen. Shells, man! It’s flight. No one gives one fig who is with who during a flight unless it’s the senior queen rising.” Internally G’tet let out a frustrated sigh and counted to ten in his head before speaking again. “If you stand then it’s a chance to take, sure. But if it’s the thing that keeps you from getting what you do want, a chance to help your people or whatever, then Kalpeth was wrong about you.”

[ignisfatuus]

"Maybe Kalpeth was wrong about me, I wouldn't put it past her." The little of the Green that Jansen had seen hadn't given him the impression that she was the most reliable of dragons, mentally speaking. "I'm just a Caminar after all. All I know is how to travel, to carve and to hunt. I know nothing about how things are run in the Weyrs. Or about Dragons or anything. And I am sorry but my mind can't yet differentiate between men and woman, and riders yet. They are one and the same to me still, just as they have always been."

Jansen did not like being chastised or ridiculed and it felt like G'tet had done both. He was unsure whether he felt hurt or angry about this, or both. He did know that he felt the need to defend himself and that his heart was beating too fast. Was that caused by his swell in emotions or was it due to the fall and he had just noticed? Adrenaline and shock could do that to a person..

But it wasn't like Jansen could get over a prejudice generations old just because he might, might, impress. It wasn't like it was even his idea to stand! If it weren't for his ankle, Jansen probably would have already run a mile in the opposite direction. The only real benefit of it all was that he could possibly impress and then use his new found position to help the Caminar, with both this present fiasco and any future ones. Even then, impressing didn't guarantee anything.

Bracing himself, Jansen moved himself away from G'tet. Despite the great pain it caused him to walk without aid, it hardly showed on his face. This could be because he was already tense, with his teeth gritted. "Maybe I'm not man enough to stand. Once my ankle gets better it might be best for all concerned if I just leave." Though he was intrigued about standing now. He hated to admit it but he was. If he wasn't too busy being stubborn then he would have cursed his pride.

[Invisible]

It was a good thing Jansen moved way from G’tet because it was all the greenrider could do not to pull away himself. He let the Caminar have his say and then lowered his voice so the words shared between them wouldn’t carry to the healer lurking nearby. “You weren’t already hurt I’d make you hurt. Don’t you ever speak about Kalpeth like that again. You think what you want, but she’s a far cry better than anything you have.”

Two steps back and he looked at the Caminar with disgust. “Coward,” he spat. “Don’t stand. I don’t care. You want to leave? Walk away right now. Clearly you don’t belong here and certainly not amongst those brave enough to go out on those hot sands.” With that G’tet turned his back on Jansen and started towards where Kalpeth watched. Let the healer maul him, it was no concern to him anymore.

[ignisfatuus]

Jansen snorted when G'tet jumped to his dragons defense. Hadn't it been the rider who had first suggested that the Kalpeth might have been wrong? He resolutely kept walking towards the infirmary with the healer even though the pain with each step was terrible. The healer look confused regarding what had just happened but a small smile appeared on his face when he realised that the Rider would not be there to observe his treatment of this 'candidate.'

Well, Jansen just had to stay now, didn't he? After all Genet was going through the trouble of getting his belongings for him. More importantly, he simply had to show G'tet that he was not a coward. Not that he cared what the Greenrider thought. Jansen had to show himself that too. G'tet was just going to be a witness, thats all.