Home.
Who: Seriel, Aida
Where: Aida's Room
When: Evening, day 11, month 10, turn 2 of the 7th Pass.
What: Seriel, having been posted to High Reaches Weyr, arrives and visits her little sister, unannounced. Aida takes it remarkably well.
There is a knock at the door. This knock has a somewhat familiarish cadence to it. Perhaps not immediately recognizable, but certainly something that sounds ... homish.
The room behind the door with Aida's name on it is quiet, though there's light shining out from beneath said door. When the knock sounds, Aida slides up from the chair she'd been settled in, dropping the hides down and picking her way through the mess and clutter to the door. With bare feet, a loose skirt, hair down, and a tank-top on, she moves to haul the door open, one hand on the handle and one up ruffling through her hair.
And there she stands. Really is it fair for Seriel to be there having sent no word of her imminent arrival? Fair or not, she's here. A wide smile dimples her cheeks and puts a sparkle of glee in her green eyes. Peeking over Aida's shoulder she glances at the state of the room and tsks. "I should tell Mother of the state of your room. She'd be up here in a blink to set things to rights you know." There's a fair bit of affectionate tease in her voice.
Stare. Aida's eyes touch a little wide, but really it's the only immediate physical display of her surprise. The fact that she doesn't actually react further for five heartbeats or so is the biggest sign of it -- she just stares, unblinking. Eventually she clears her throat, puts on a grin, ruffles her hair further and steps back, giving a gesture for Seriel to come in. The actual mess is not quite all clutter -- the second bed, the second chest, the adjustment from a one person room to a two person room is a little less than half of it. Also noteworthy is that the room is being kept considerably warmer than most rooms in the Reaches are. "You should've seen it last week," she points out, tone threaded with dry humor. "This is nothing. Seriel. Of all the faces I'd have expected, yours wasn't it. It's good to see you."
Seriel gives a mock pout as she steps through the door and promptly drops her pack to the ground with a thud. Seriel eyes Aida for a moment and then pulls the girl into a hug. Her voice is nearly fierce as she says, "It has been too long! And you've grown!"
Pushing the door closed with one hand, Aida is clearly caught off guard by the hug, but it's accepted without anything more than a startled squawk before she's bringing her arms up to return it, squeezing the other girl. "Of course I have," she replies mildly, the words followed by a quiet laugh. Squeeze. So much more grace, so much more composure. "It's been a while. Don't think I'm going to get much bigger'n this, though. What are you *doing* here?"
Squinting at the younger woman, Seriel for a moment almost looks aghast. "Where has the wild one gone? Have you hidden her away somewhere?" Seriel turns and looks around the room as if searching. "Because it's almost as if this pale and graceful shadow of my sister stands before me. All... tall...ish. And demure.. and graceful. Where are the /elbows/? The shouting?" Again with the teasing. But it seems well meaning and spoken in her Harper-trained voice. "I haven't answered your question yet have I?"
Rolling her eyes, Aida shakes her head and squeezes Seriel tighter for a moment before she slips back, turning around and moving to the desk to set about pouring a second cup of tea. "She's under the bed," she explains with all seriousness, sparkling eyes the only trace of humor. "And no, you have not -- but I've my guesses. How are you? How are mother and father?" And no, she is not referring to her own parents. They would be Da and Her, or if she's feeling gracious, Adelaide.
"Well, mother is doing well enough. She's ... truth to tell she's meddlesome as ever and very concerned about her daughter." From the look in Seriel's eye that's Aida. "Father is happy herding his flock. He lost a set in the last Fall over Dekhara and spent some time bemoaning the loss. Apparently," Seriel rolls her eyes. "The female was a herdbeast of some character." She nods sagely and then laughs, shaking her head. "Father is well. And I am here..." She draws this bit out as if savouring it. "... on contract as a journeyman."
Silence, for a long moment. Aida regards the cup of tea in front of her for a moment, then picks it up and puts back on her smile, turning back towards her sister and holding it out. "As meddlesome as ever," she agrees quietly, rolling her eyes again. "Tea, for you." It's more directly offered to the other woman, and then she's turning to collect her own cup from the desk and gesturing to the little table, moving to take the far chair. "Congratulations on such a...prestigious posting. Who did you anger?" There's a light tease there.
Seriel accepts her tea and effects a pose of solemn dignity. She draws herself up and lifts her mug as if to sip, looking over the rim and lifting a single brow. "Who did I anger you ask?" Her voice spins into a comically dramatic tone. "Why none other than the Master Harper himself." She sips her tea, winces at the heat and proceeds to blow on it. "Well, what really happened is that I asked to be sent here."
Easing herself down carefully, Aida sits properly -- a posture that Seriel has never seen her take unless she's mocking someone, playing it up. This...doesn't have that tone to it. She has been paying attention to the etiquette classes, after all. Her tea is set down, and she gestures to the chair across from her lightly, her smile brightening again as another laugh escapes in response to the dramatics. "You're insane," she points out, laughter underlying her words. "I'll say that right up front. You're also lucky though, in that *most* everything here has calmed down. Did you ask for this place for the reasons I think you did?" Did mummy send you?
Another arch of a black brow but Seriel chooses not to comment on the change in posture. Yet. She mimics the move, relaxing back into her own chair and sighing in relaxation. She cups the mug in both her hands and watches her sister's face carefully. "I came here out of a desire to experience weyr life. And to make sure my little sister was safe. Mother sent me several letters indicating that times have been more than a little interesting." Seriel pauses and for once, grows serious. "When she heard word that you'd been abducted... I've rarely seen her in such a state." There's a twitch of her lips and Seriel's usual humor resurfaces. "She made me promise upon pain of humiliation and much spanking to keep an eye on you."
Once the other woman has settled, Aida relaxes considerably, leaning back in her own chair and picking her tea back up. Both hands wrap around it as she brings it up to her lips, and she sips from it carefully as blue eyes remain attentively locked on Seriel's face. The explanation is taken in stride, though the flash of humor is not reflected in her own expression -- she just nods. "I thought as much," she murmurs, quiet now. "It has been more than a little interesting, yes. There were...difficulties, with the weyr's leadership. It is not quite resolved, but it should be when the next queen rises."
"And still no indication that that time is drawing near? Shouldn't one have risen ages ago?" Seriel asks bluntly, clearly not altogether sure of what's she's talking about but trying to soak in as much as she can. "It's rather hard not to notice when they do. One Fort flight went past Harper Hall. Nine months later there was nothing but babes and love songs pouring out of everywhere." Seriel rolls her eyes.
"No indication that I know of, no," Aida agrees quietly, her gaze lowering to the cup in her hands as she lifts one shoulder in a shrug, drops it again. "Both Tialith and Citalth are due to rise, and have not. It should have happened ages ago, yes." A little shake of her head follows there, and her gaze lifts back up. "Right now, we play the waiting game -- no more, and no less. There has not been any...violence, as of late. I am doing well here."
Seriel's eyes flick around the room and she purses her lips. There is very obviously Something She Wants To Ask. Instead of approaching head on, she gestures, indicating the room. "It's really quite nice and warm here." Nod. "Though there ah, doesn't seem to be enough room for a brown." She pauses and squints a little, "Is he a very small brown?"
Mid sip from her tea, Aida spits it back into the cup just quickly enough to not choke on it as her eyes go wide at that last little question. The laughter happens a beat later, as she sets her cup down and reaches for a towel to wipe at her face as she cracks up. Once her face has been wiped she starts shaking her head, grin appearing -- as soon as she can speak through the laughter, she points out, "No, no." Only once that's calmed down and she's breathing again does she clarify. "We split. Quite...some time ago, really."
Smiling at the laughter, Seriel's expression grows just a little sad at the admission. She studies her sister quietly for a moment and then nods, taking a sip of her tea. "Oh. Well, I'm sorry to hear it." And that is that. "Do you have a roommate?" For there are far more pressing matters at hand.
Clearing her throat again, Aida chases away the last of the laughter for all that her expression has lightened some now. She reclaims her tea, nodding to the question. "I do," she says. "A friend of mine -- it's a long story, but he's brought his cousin to the weyr, and she's staying with me for the time being. I don't see her a great deal, but she's nice enough. It's why it's kept so warm in here; she's not from this climate." Pause. "And it's alright, about Br'ce and I. We weren't...suited. It was difficult at the time, but I'm over it now. I was just starting to finally get used to being by myself when Lorna arrived, and now I've somebody about to keep me from being unnerved by the silence."
Seriel makes a bit of a face and nods. "Oh... I've experienced that." What she doesn't precisely clarify. "Well you always did like your space so I'm sure that's a good thing." Seriel sets her mug aside and fans herself a bit. "I was wondering. It's practically a steam bath in here. Though I suppose that is preferable to freezing. I still have nightmares of that one winter." A significant glance is offered Aida's way. You know. That one.
Wrinkling up her nose, Aida nods her agreement. That one. She doesn't put voice to the memory though, only staring off to the side for a moment before she refocuses, smiling wryly. "I haven't quite gotten used to the heat, but...well, I will." Another sip from her tea, and she lets out a quiet laugh. "One gets used to pretty much anything." She pauses briefly there, and then her expression is snapping serious again. "It's not easy here, Seriel. I wish you'd written to let me know you were thinking about it, *before* you took a posting. I could've warned you, about what you're getting into."
"Oh? Do tell. What have I gotten myself into?" There is a twitch of her lips and Seriel just grins. "Because the siren call of my sister, a weyr full of libidinous hotties like that bronze rider who brought me here and a passel of children waiting to be taught is an awful lot of temptation to pass up."
Draining her cup all at once, Aida sets it down, slides up to her feet. Motion -- for all that there's not much room to pace in, she paces, hands folding behind her back carefully. "Our last weyrwoman was murdered," she states quietly. "I'm sure you know that. They still haven't caught the one who did it, and I don't think they're going to. It's...all of it has, for the most part, been resolved. It's settled, it's calm. But the whole place is holding its breath, waiting for the next thing to hit, to explode. Waiting for the next person to die. There's the caucus -- it's not heavily resented, but it is resented. There is so much tension, Seriel. You've heard about what happened with Nabol, and our recent criminals were rescued by the instigators, and...it's just a mess here."
Seriel takes a deep inhale and lets it out slowly. She reaches for her tea and takes a single sip. "I had heard, yes. And I'll admit these were some of the things that had me choosing to come here." Huh... what?
"You're insane, Seriel," Aida points out again, her pacing stopping for a moment so she can shift on her feet, turn to look back to her sister. "It isn't safe here."
"No. It's not." Seriel finishes her tea and sets the empty mug aside. "But this is where important things are happening. This is where there are frightened children who need to be reminded that they are still children. This is where I can see and interact and change things. I want to be one of the first female master harpers in memory. Important things are happening here." Seriel finishes this statement and her voice grows softer. "And this is where my sister is. Admist the danger and the intrigue."
Narrowing her eyes, Aida studies the older woman for a long moment, then gives a sharp shake of her head. "I won't lie to you," she states, voice quiet and very certain -- that confidence, at least, is nothing new. That absolute surety. "I'm not happy you're here. I'm thrilled to see you, but I'd rather everything I care about be well away from all of this." A deep breath of air is drawn, and it's huffed back out in a heavy exhale. "But you're posted, and there's nothing to be done about it now. I ask that you be very, very careful."
Seriel comes to the realization that her little sister is trying to protect her. She manages to smother the smile smoothly, years of Harper training on her side. She presents a solemn, serious face to Aida, listening keenly to her words. The severity of the change in the young woman she knew seems to dawn on her and Seriel nods slowly. "I hear you. But let me tell you this. I'm here under contract. And I'm here, in no small part, for you. If anyone could read between the lines of your letters, our mother always could." Our Mother. "Her concern is my concern. We love you. You need me. I'm here."
Oh yes, there is a protective streak there -- and it is certainly something new. The bristling at the notation that she might need anyone to look after her, that's not. Oh no, that's not. And she does bristle a bit, lifting her chin -- but she does not offer protest or argument. A moment of consideration, and the young woman nods. "She knew things were bad here," she agrees quietly. "And they are." Pause. "And I'm right up in the middle of all of it."
Seriel nods slowly, confirmation. "I know." Her sharp gaze takes in that bristled look, a glimmer of the sister she remembers. "I'm not here to babysit you, Aida. Mother is not so senile that she thinks you, of all people, would need one. I'm here because..." Seriel pauses as if searching for a word, or perhaps the right tone to take. Her voice gentles and compassion filters through her gaze, "...I'm here because in your letters you sound... lonely."
That strikes home. Oh, it strikes home. For all that Aida's learned to control her own reactions, her expression, the jolt is there -- her eyes touch wide, her shoulders stiffen, a hand clenches before it is forced to unclench. The young woman keeps her gaze on Seriel for a few heartbeats before she gives in to the urge to look away, covering it up as a turning back to her pacing -- which she does do. Twelve steps are taken before she's shaking her head, starting a denial that doesn't come. Instead, she offers quietly after another two steps, "I am. I've been very isolated, here."
Seriel, for once looks uncertain. That lasts only a moment before she gets to her feet and walks over to Aida. Reaching for her sister's chin gently, Seriel tries to tip Aida's face up and catch her gaze. "Then where else in all of Pern should I be?"
Stilling when Seriel moves towards her, Aida does not resist her chin being lifted, allows for her gaze to be caught and holding the other woman's eyes in turn. "I still wish you were as far away from here as possible," she points out quietly. Solemnly. "But thank you, all the same. It's hard to admit that I might need help; I'm very proud."
"You don't say." Seriel's voice is again full of that warm tease. "Don't thank me yet. Don't forget I've a tond of embarrassing stories I can lob out at pivotal moments in the future." Her lips quirk up into a smile. "I know you don't want me here. But I am. Look at it this way," Seriel releases her sister's chin and offers a grin, "Now you've got an extra set of eyes and ears. And a pair of hands familiar with the 'hold 'em' part of the 'you hold 'em, I punch 'em' game."
There's a flutter of a smile, at those last few words. It chases some of the solemn look from her face, though there is a touch of something hollow in those blue eyes for those last few moments before she turns away again, goes back to pacing. Aida does chuckle, shake her head. "Jensen held Donavon, before he was taken away to exile," she says quietly. "Held him while I put him down. I don't know if the man even survived what I did to him. Jensen is back, now. I don't know if you heard, wherever it was you were, last. The former Captain of the guard here...confessed to the murders, for a variety of stupid reasons. He's been cleared, and he's back. You'll have to meet him. You two can alternate in holding the people I need to punch."
"Replaced me have you?" There is a marked lack of bitterness in Seriel's voice as she studies Aida's reaction to her words. Nodding slowly to herself, she murmurs, "This would be the one you've mentioned in passing in your letters home?"
"No, there's no replacing you," Aida points out, giving a light shake of her head and putting on another smile, sending another glance back over towards Seriel. She finally gives up on the path she was going back and forth on, circling around to get the tea pot, slipping over to refill both cups with it. "I've mentioned him in passing, yes," she agrees, after a moment of consideration. "He's a good friend of mine. I've got friends here. People that I care for. I *shouldn't* feel so lost." The complaint for those last few words, it's mild...but it is there.
"But you do anyway." Seriel finishes for her, accepting her fresh cup of tea. "I can understand that." Seriel's expression clears for a moment and she looks pensive. "If you've ever been to Harper Hall you'd think me mad, absolutely to say that there were days there that I felt alone. Sometimes having people around, even friends and loved ones isn't enough if the loneliness is in deep."
Rather than settling in her chair at the table again, Aida moves to the desk; the teapot is set back down, and then the desk chair is pulled out with a foot and she settles down there. Legs are drawn up beneath her, and she curls herself up into the arm of it, sipping from her tea. "I don't know what to do about it," she admits quietly, letting her gaze settle down on the cup. "There's not much that makes the ache go away, and even when it does it's...in little bits."
Perching on the arm of her chair, Seriel thinks quietly. She lifts her mug for a sip, eyes on the floor as she thinks. "I think it's mental." The words are spoken in a careful, thoughtful sort of tone. "I think that we set up walls because we're scared of being hurt. And then one day we realize the walls are what is keeping us from connecting. And it's scary. And it takes effort to break them down again. To let people in. Because then they can hurt you. It goes against all of our self-preservation instincts."
This is considered at length, and her eyes stay down on the teacup for the duration. Aida's lips curve down into something of a frown, brows drawing down a bit as well. "I don't...I've connected, with people," she notes softly. "I don't know if that's it. If it is, I don't...know how to get around it." Eventually she shakes her head, huffs another sigh, lifts her chin again and puts on a smile. "I...I just don't know, really. I don't know what's wrong, or why. But I'm doing pretty good despite, and that's only in moments. It gets worst when I write home, because I miss mother and you and father, Da. The little ones. I never thought I'd miss everyone so much. I just wanted to escape, when I left. Didn't quite realize what it was I was leaving behind."
Seriel chuckles softly, looking up. "We never do until we're gone. I think that's one of the keys of becoming an adult." Seriel drinks down her tea and gets to her feet. "I can't tell you how you feel, Aida. But I can tell you if you need an ear or ... just ... family. I'm here now." As Seriel passes Aida she touches her sister's shoulder. "I should go find out where they're sticking me."
"I'm still not glad you're here," Aida repeats, but this time the chastisement is warm, a hint of a tease playing through it. She brings a hand up to cover the fingers against her shoulder, give a light squeeze to go along with the smile she offers up. "Thank you," she adds, more quietly again. "We'll talk more soon. I'm usually done working by dinner or so, perhaps just after. You're welcome to come find me whenever you'd like after that."
Seriel just grins and winks. "Well, you're stuck with me now, so you'd best stop whining." Her voice is bubbling with mirth and she releases Aida's shoulder. "I'll be sure to come and find you after dinner time then. I imagine there'll be those wanting music with their feeding after all. And that is what Harpers do."
"Music, yes," Aida agrees, quiet laughter escaping her throat as she sets her tea down, slides to her feet. Moves to see Seriel to the door. "I'm not typically difficult to find, not lately. Welcome to the reaches, Seriel. If you need anything, in settling in - let me know."
Seriel winks back at her sister and just nods, collecting her bag as she makes her way to the door. "Oh. Trust me. I will." And then, just like she arrived, she's gone. Well. Not exactly. There's less surprise.
Where: Aida's Room
When: Evening, day 11, month 10, turn 2 of the 7th Pass.
What: Seriel, having been posted to High Reaches Weyr, arrives and visits her little sister, unannounced. Aida takes it remarkably well.
There is a knock at the door. This knock has a somewhat familiarish cadence to it. Perhaps not immediately recognizable, but certainly something that sounds ... homish.
The room behind the door with Aida's name on it is quiet, though there's light shining out from beneath said door. When the knock sounds, Aida slides up from the chair she'd been settled in, dropping the hides down and picking her way through the mess and clutter to the door. With bare feet, a loose skirt, hair down, and a tank-top on, she moves to haul the door open, one hand on the handle and one up ruffling through her hair.
And there she stands. Really is it fair for Seriel to be there having sent no word of her imminent arrival? Fair or not, she's here. A wide smile dimples her cheeks and puts a sparkle of glee in her green eyes. Peeking over Aida's shoulder she glances at the state of the room and tsks. "I should tell Mother of the state of your room. She'd be up here in a blink to set things to rights you know." There's a fair bit of affectionate tease in her voice.
Stare. Aida's eyes touch a little wide, but really it's the only immediate physical display of her surprise. The fact that she doesn't actually react further for five heartbeats or so is the biggest sign of it -- she just stares, unblinking. Eventually she clears her throat, puts on a grin, ruffles her hair further and steps back, giving a gesture for Seriel to come in. The actual mess is not quite all clutter -- the second bed, the second chest, the adjustment from a one person room to a two person room is a little less than half of it. Also noteworthy is that the room is being kept considerably warmer than most rooms in the Reaches are. "You should've seen it last week," she points out, tone threaded with dry humor. "This is nothing. Seriel. Of all the faces I'd have expected, yours wasn't it. It's good to see you."
Seriel gives a mock pout as she steps through the door and promptly drops her pack to the ground with a thud. Seriel eyes Aida for a moment and then pulls the girl into a hug. Her voice is nearly fierce as she says, "It has been too long! And you've grown!"
Pushing the door closed with one hand, Aida is clearly caught off guard by the hug, but it's accepted without anything more than a startled squawk before she's bringing her arms up to return it, squeezing the other girl. "Of course I have," she replies mildly, the words followed by a quiet laugh. Squeeze. So much more grace, so much more composure. "It's been a while. Don't think I'm going to get much bigger'n this, though. What are you *doing* here?"
Squinting at the younger woman, Seriel for a moment almost looks aghast. "Where has the wild one gone? Have you hidden her away somewhere?" Seriel turns and looks around the room as if searching. "Because it's almost as if this pale and graceful shadow of my sister stands before me. All... tall...ish. And demure.. and graceful. Where are the /elbows/? The shouting?" Again with the teasing. But it seems well meaning and spoken in her Harper-trained voice. "I haven't answered your question yet have I?"
Rolling her eyes, Aida shakes her head and squeezes Seriel tighter for a moment before she slips back, turning around and moving to the desk to set about pouring a second cup of tea. "She's under the bed," she explains with all seriousness, sparkling eyes the only trace of humor. "And no, you have not -- but I've my guesses. How are you? How are mother and father?" And no, she is not referring to her own parents. They would be Da and Her, or if she's feeling gracious, Adelaide.
"Well, mother is doing well enough. She's ... truth to tell she's meddlesome as ever and very concerned about her daughter." From the look in Seriel's eye that's Aida. "Father is happy herding his flock. He lost a set in the last Fall over Dekhara and spent some time bemoaning the loss. Apparently," Seriel rolls her eyes. "The female was a herdbeast of some character." She nods sagely and then laughs, shaking her head. "Father is well. And I am here..." She draws this bit out as if savouring it. "... on contract as a journeyman."
Silence, for a long moment. Aida regards the cup of tea in front of her for a moment, then picks it up and puts back on her smile, turning back towards her sister and holding it out. "As meddlesome as ever," she agrees quietly, rolling her eyes again. "Tea, for you." It's more directly offered to the other woman, and then she's turning to collect her own cup from the desk and gesturing to the little table, moving to take the far chair. "Congratulations on such a...prestigious posting. Who did you anger?" There's a light tease there.
Seriel accepts her tea and effects a pose of solemn dignity. She draws herself up and lifts her mug as if to sip, looking over the rim and lifting a single brow. "Who did I anger you ask?" Her voice spins into a comically dramatic tone. "Why none other than the Master Harper himself." She sips her tea, winces at the heat and proceeds to blow on it. "Well, what really happened is that I asked to be sent here."
Easing herself down carefully, Aida sits properly -- a posture that Seriel has never seen her take unless she's mocking someone, playing it up. This...doesn't have that tone to it. She has been paying attention to the etiquette classes, after all. Her tea is set down, and she gestures to the chair across from her lightly, her smile brightening again as another laugh escapes in response to the dramatics. "You're insane," she points out, laughter underlying her words. "I'll say that right up front. You're also lucky though, in that *most* everything here has calmed down. Did you ask for this place for the reasons I think you did?" Did mummy send you?
Another arch of a black brow but Seriel chooses not to comment on the change in posture. Yet. She mimics the move, relaxing back into her own chair and sighing in relaxation. She cups the mug in both her hands and watches her sister's face carefully. "I came here out of a desire to experience weyr life. And to make sure my little sister was safe. Mother sent me several letters indicating that times have been more than a little interesting." Seriel pauses and for once, grows serious. "When she heard word that you'd been abducted... I've rarely seen her in such a state." There's a twitch of her lips and Seriel's usual humor resurfaces. "She made me promise upon pain of humiliation and much spanking to keep an eye on you."
Once the other woman has settled, Aida relaxes considerably, leaning back in her own chair and picking her tea back up. Both hands wrap around it as she brings it up to her lips, and she sips from it carefully as blue eyes remain attentively locked on Seriel's face. The explanation is taken in stride, though the flash of humor is not reflected in her own expression -- she just nods. "I thought as much," she murmurs, quiet now. "It has been more than a little interesting, yes. There were...difficulties, with the weyr's leadership. It is not quite resolved, but it should be when the next queen rises."
"And still no indication that that time is drawing near? Shouldn't one have risen ages ago?" Seriel asks bluntly, clearly not altogether sure of what's she's talking about but trying to soak in as much as she can. "It's rather hard not to notice when they do. One Fort flight went past Harper Hall. Nine months later there was nothing but babes and love songs pouring out of everywhere." Seriel rolls her eyes.
"No indication that I know of, no," Aida agrees quietly, her gaze lowering to the cup in her hands as she lifts one shoulder in a shrug, drops it again. "Both Tialith and Citalth are due to rise, and have not. It should have happened ages ago, yes." A little shake of her head follows there, and her gaze lifts back up. "Right now, we play the waiting game -- no more, and no less. There has not been any...violence, as of late. I am doing well here."
Seriel's eyes flick around the room and she purses her lips. There is very obviously Something She Wants To Ask. Instead of approaching head on, she gestures, indicating the room. "It's really quite nice and warm here." Nod. "Though there ah, doesn't seem to be enough room for a brown." She pauses and squints a little, "Is he a very small brown?"
Mid sip from her tea, Aida spits it back into the cup just quickly enough to not choke on it as her eyes go wide at that last little question. The laughter happens a beat later, as she sets her cup down and reaches for a towel to wipe at her face as she cracks up. Once her face has been wiped she starts shaking her head, grin appearing -- as soon as she can speak through the laughter, she points out, "No, no." Only once that's calmed down and she's breathing again does she clarify. "We split. Quite...some time ago, really."
Smiling at the laughter, Seriel's expression grows just a little sad at the admission. She studies her sister quietly for a moment and then nods, taking a sip of her tea. "Oh. Well, I'm sorry to hear it." And that is that. "Do you have a roommate?" For there are far more pressing matters at hand.
Clearing her throat again, Aida chases away the last of the laughter for all that her expression has lightened some now. She reclaims her tea, nodding to the question. "I do," she says. "A friend of mine -- it's a long story, but he's brought his cousin to the weyr, and she's staying with me for the time being. I don't see her a great deal, but she's nice enough. It's why it's kept so warm in here; she's not from this climate." Pause. "And it's alright, about Br'ce and I. We weren't...suited. It was difficult at the time, but I'm over it now. I was just starting to finally get used to being by myself when Lorna arrived, and now I've somebody about to keep me from being unnerved by the silence."
Seriel makes a bit of a face and nods. "Oh... I've experienced that." What she doesn't precisely clarify. "Well you always did like your space so I'm sure that's a good thing." Seriel sets her mug aside and fans herself a bit. "I was wondering. It's practically a steam bath in here. Though I suppose that is preferable to freezing. I still have nightmares of that one winter." A significant glance is offered Aida's way. You know. That one.
Wrinkling up her nose, Aida nods her agreement. That one. She doesn't put voice to the memory though, only staring off to the side for a moment before she refocuses, smiling wryly. "I haven't quite gotten used to the heat, but...well, I will." Another sip from her tea, and she lets out a quiet laugh. "One gets used to pretty much anything." She pauses briefly there, and then her expression is snapping serious again. "It's not easy here, Seriel. I wish you'd written to let me know you were thinking about it, *before* you took a posting. I could've warned you, about what you're getting into."
"Oh? Do tell. What have I gotten myself into?" There is a twitch of her lips and Seriel just grins. "Because the siren call of my sister, a weyr full of libidinous hotties like that bronze rider who brought me here and a passel of children waiting to be taught is an awful lot of temptation to pass up."
Draining her cup all at once, Aida sets it down, slides up to her feet. Motion -- for all that there's not much room to pace in, she paces, hands folding behind her back carefully. "Our last weyrwoman was murdered," she states quietly. "I'm sure you know that. They still haven't caught the one who did it, and I don't think they're going to. It's...all of it has, for the most part, been resolved. It's settled, it's calm. But the whole place is holding its breath, waiting for the next thing to hit, to explode. Waiting for the next person to die. There's the caucus -- it's not heavily resented, but it is resented. There is so much tension, Seriel. You've heard about what happened with Nabol, and our recent criminals were rescued by the instigators, and...it's just a mess here."
Seriel takes a deep inhale and lets it out slowly. She reaches for her tea and takes a single sip. "I had heard, yes. And I'll admit these were some of the things that had me choosing to come here." Huh... what?
"You're insane, Seriel," Aida points out again, her pacing stopping for a moment so she can shift on her feet, turn to look back to her sister. "It isn't safe here."
"No. It's not." Seriel finishes her tea and sets the empty mug aside. "But this is where important things are happening. This is where there are frightened children who need to be reminded that they are still children. This is where I can see and interact and change things. I want to be one of the first female master harpers in memory. Important things are happening here." Seriel finishes this statement and her voice grows softer. "And this is where my sister is. Admist the danger and the intrigue."
Narrowing her eyes, Aida studies the older woman for a long moment, then gives a sharp shake of her head. "I won't lie to you," she states, voice quiet and very certain -- that confidence, at least, is nothing new. That absolute surety. "I'm not happy you're here. I'm thrilled to see you, but I'd rather everything I care about be well away from all of this." A deep breath of air is drawn, and it's huffed back out in a heavy exhale. "But you're posted, and there's nothing to be done about it now. I ask that you be very, very careful."
Seriel comes to the realization that her little sister is trying to protect her. She manages to smother the smile smoothly, years of Harper training on her side. She presents a solemn, serious face to Aida, listening keenly to her words. The severity of the change in the young woman she knew seems to dawn on her and Seriel nods slowly. "I hear you. But let me tell you this. I'm here under contract. And I'm here, in no small part, for you. If anyone could read between the lines of your letters, our mother always could." Our Mother. "Her concern is my concern. We love you. You need me. I'm here."
Oh yes, there is a protective streak there -- and it is certainly something new. The bristling at the notation that she might need anyone to look after her, that's not. Oh no, that's not. And she does bristle a bit, lifting her chin -- but she does not offer protest or argument. A moment of consideration, and the young woman nods. "She knew things were bad here," she agrees quietly. "And they are." Pause. "And I'm right up in the middle of all of it."
Seriel nods slowly, confirmation. "I know." Her sharp gaze takes in that bristled look, a glimmer of the sister she remembers. "I'm not here to babysit you, Aida. Mother is not so senile that she thinks you, of all people, would need one. I'm here because..." Seriel pauses as if searching for a word, or perhaps the right tone to take. Her voice gentles and compassion filters through her gaze, "...I'm here because in your letters you sound... lonely."
That strikes home. Oh, it strikes home. For all that Aida's learned to control her own reactions, her expression, the jolt is there -- her eyes touch wide, her shoulders stiffen, a hand clenches before it is forced to unclench. The young woman keeps her gaze on Seriel for a few heartbeats before she gives in to the urge to look away, covering it up as a turning back to her pacing -- which she does do. Twelve steps are taken before she's shaking her head, starting a denial that doesn't come. Instead, she offers quietly after another two steps, "I am. I've been very isolated, here."
Seriel, for once looks uncertain. That lasts only a moment before she gets to her feet and walks over to Aida. Reaching for her sister's chin gently, Seriel tries to tip Aida's face up and catch her gaze. "Then where else in all of Pern should I be?"
Stilling when Seriel moves towards her, Aida does not resist her chin being lifted, allows for her gaze to be caught and holding the other woman's eyes in turn. "I still wish you were as far away from here as possible," she points out quietly. Solemnly. "But thank you, all the same. It's hard to admit that I might need help; I'm very proud."
"You don't say." Seriel's voice is again full of that warm tease. "Don't thank me yet. Don't forget I've a tond of embarrassing stories I can lob out at pivotal moments in the future." Her lips quirk up into a smile. "I know you don't want me here. But I am. Look at it this way," Seriel releases her sister's chin and offers a grin, "Now you've got an extra set of eyes and ears. And a pair of hands familiar with the 'hold 'em' part of the 'you hold 'em, I punch 'em' game."
There's a flutter of a smile, at those last few words. It chases some of the solemn look from her face, though there is a touch of something hollow in those blue eyes for those last few moments before she turns away again, goes back to pacing. Aida does chuckle, shake her head. "Jensen held Donavon, before he was taken away to exile," she says quietly. "Held him while I put him down. I don't know if the man even survived what I did to him. Jensen is back, now. I don't know if you heard, wherever it was you were, last. The former Captain of the guard here...confessed to the murders, for a variety of stupid reasons. He's been cleared, and he's back. You'll have to meet him. You two can alternate in holding the people I need to punch."
"Replaced me have you?" There is a marked lack of bitterness in Seriel's voice as she studies Aida's reaction to her words. Nodding slowly to herself, she murmurs, "This would be the one you've mentioned in passing in your letters home?"
"No, there's no replacing you," Aida points out, giving a light shake of her head and putting on another smile, sending another glance back over towards Seriel. She finally gives up on the path she was going back and forth on, circling around to get the tea pot, slipping over to refill both cups with it. "I've mentioned him in passing, yes," she agrees, after a moment of consideration. "He's a good friend of mine. I've got friends here. People that I care for. I *shouldn't* feel so lost." The complaint for those last few words, it's mild...but it is there.
"But you do anyway." Seriel finishes for her, accepting her fresh cup of tea. "I can understand that." Seriel's expression clears for a moment and she looks pensive. "If you've ever been to Harper Hall you'd think me mad, absolutely to say that there were days there that I felt alone. Sometimes having people around, even friends and loved ones isn't enough if the loneliness is in deep."
Rather than settling in her chair at the table again, Aida moves to the desk; the teapot is set back down, and then the desk chair is pulled out with a foot and she settles down there. Legs are drawn up beneath her, and she curls herself up into the arm of it, sipping from her tea. "I don't know what to do about it," she admits quietly, letting her gaze settle down on the cup. "There's not much that makes the ache go away, and even when it does it's...in little bits."
Perching on the arm of her chair, Seriel thinks quietly. She lifts her mug for a sip, eyes on the floor as she thinks. "I think it's mental." The words are spoken in a careful, thoughtful sort of tone. "I think that we set up walls because we're scared of being hurt. And then one day we realize the walls are what is keeping us from connecting. And it's scary. And it takes effort to break them down again. To let people in. Because then they can hurt you. It goes against all of our self-preservation instincts."
This is considered at length, and her eyes stay down on the teacup for the duration. Aida's lips curve down into something of a frown, brows drawing down a bit as well. "I don't...I've connected, with people," she notes softly. "I don't know if that's it. If it is, I don't...know how to get around it." Eventually she shakes her head, huffs another sigh, lifts her chin again and puts on a smile. "I...I just don't know, really. I don't know what's wrong, or why. But I'm doing pretty good despite, and that's only in moments. It gets worst when I write home, because I miss mother and you and father, Da. The little ones. I never thought I'd miss everyone so much. I just wanted to escape, when I left. Didn't quite realize what it was I was leaving behind."
Seriel chuckles softly, looking up. "We never do until we're gone. I think that's one of the keys of becoming an adult." Seriel drinks down her tea and gets to her feet. "I can't tell you how you feel, Aida. But I can tell you if you need an ear or ... just ... family. I'm here now." As Seriel passes Aida she touches her sister's shoulder. "I should go find out where they're sticking me."
"I'm still not glad you're here," Aida repeats, but this time the chastisement is warm, a hint of a tease playing through it. She brings a hand up to cover the fingers against her shoulder, give a light squeeze to go along with the smile she offers up. "Thank you," she adds, more quietly again. "We'll talk more soon. I'm usually done working by dinner or so, perhaps just after. You're welcome to come find me whenever you'd like after that."
Seriel just grins and winks. "Well, you're stuck with me now, so you'd best stop whining." Her voice is bubbling with mirth and she releases Aida's shoulder. "I'll be sure to come and find you after dinner time then. I imagine there'll be those wanting music with their feeding after all. And that is what Harpers do."
"Music, yes," Aida agrees, quiet laughter escaping her throat as she sets her tea down, slides to her feet. Moves to see Seriel to the door. "I'm not typically difficult to find, not lately. Welcome to the reaches, Seriel. If you need anything, in settling in - let me know."
Seriel winks back at her sister and just nods, collecting her bag as she makes her way to the door. "Oh. Trust me. I will." And then, just like she arrived, she's gone. Well. Not exactly. There's less surprise.