Endless Bubbly Pies

[Akki]

There wasn’t much reason for Viktu to still be lingering in the Kitchens. He didn’t have the night shift and had originally been looking forward to curling up in his cot and simply falling asleep. However that was before Perina had asked him for a favor. It seemed his little drudge friend had a secret rendezvous going on tonight with one of Viktu’s fellow cooks. She begged and bribed the blonde haired boy to help her out and remove any of the dishes that were left behind by the people coming down to eat. Perina was his best friend; he couldn’t bring himself to say no and ruin her little date night fun for her.

He’d already kicked out some drunkard and sent him to his cot and was now contently picking up the plates and mugs that the man had left behind. His hands reached up behind his head and he tugged on the teal cloth holding his hair back, tightening it. Placing the dishes in the kitchen to be cleaned he headed back to the tables and sat down in one of the chairs. Viktu thought he deserved a five minute break at least. He had been on his feet all day, making meat pies and bubbly pies non-stop. Not that he minded of course, he adored cooking. He relaxed in the chair, eyes closed as his thoughts churned. What could be made for tomorrow? Maybe something with nutbread, they hadn’t made that in a long time and had a rather large stash of bulge nuts. The possible recipes seemed endless.

He slowly opened one of his eyes and looked around the room. Was it bad that he was hoping people would clear out soon? He was rather tired. But even now people kept trickling in, noses catching the scent of fresh bubbly pies and klah.

[Shekru]

(( OOC: Akki, if you don't mind this being either prior to or after the hatching? Otherwise Fyg wouldn't be here XD ))

Alas, despite Viktu's desires, people kept coming. Some lured by the scent of the pies, some by klah, most by the combination there of. Though among the folk dribbling in, most seemed on the verge of sleep themselves. Save one, at least. The Wherhold was not at all that far away, so for one of the handlers to suddenly show up was not all that rare. Though this one was new, or at least, had not popped around the Hold side of things before.

She entered the dining area, black hair undone and looking as though it had been blown by wind and snagged by branch. Sort of wild looking, though lacking that tousled quality hair often takes when sleep is involved. Whatever had busied the woman prior to her Hold visit was not sleep. The look on her face was casual, almost happy. As though there was some private thing that kept her grinning in triumph despite the quiet around her. Withdrawing her own plate from one of the many pouches on her belt, she selected a heap of pies and a mug of klah and went to sit near one of the windows. She had a good five or six. Pies. Surely she didn't intend to eat them all? Despite her height and build, that would be far too much..

And then the hall's window gave birth to the gnarled head of a brown wher. That made more sense, perhaps. Fyg's hand gently rose and stroked the underside of the creature's jaw and fed a pie into the waiting jaws. Having received a sweet, the head pulled back out, presumably to chew. Fyg chose one for herself from the plate and chewed at it in small bites. As though nervous about who may be watching, she looked about the room. Oh. There was someone else. Silly her.

The blonde cook had caught her eye, and when he himself looked about the room, Fyg fed another pie into the Wher's waiting mouth. And then wiggled fingers in a semi-guilty wave to the cook.

[Akki]

Ooc|| Pssh, of course I don't mind c:

Color him intrigued. Everyone who so far had entered the kitchens all the had the same sort of look upon their face. Puffy eyes, pale skin and a mouth stretched as they yawned. All signs of them wanting to sleep, but first something quick to eat to satisfy them until the next day. Then a woman entered the kitchen, not having any of the symptoms on her face. Instead she looked rather...joyous - something so out of place he just had to look at her. Her hair could have maybe been tousled from bed but that didn’t seem right. She was too lively looking to have just awakened (Plus what an odd time to wake up at).

Another reason his attention was caught was the fact that she had come up with her own plate. He had never seen that before! Who stored a plate in their belt? It seemed so odd to him. He looked her over through the corner of his almond shaped eye, surveying. Viktu had not seen her out and about before; perhaps because he spent most of his time with the other cooks. She was certainly not a drudge, he knew that. So exactly who was she?

He didn’t have to wait long for his answer though. A large brown wher appeared in the window and was quick to receive a soft stroke and a bubbly pie. His eyes caught the knots on her shoulder – a wher handler. Well that explained everything. He hadn’t yet met any of the wher handlers, in fact he wasn’t even quite sure of how many there were. He grinned openly at the brown creature before noticing the wiggling fingers aimed at him. He took that as an invitation.

He stood up from his chair and in a few strides reached Fyg. Do whers often attack people? Was one thought that popped into his mind when he was crossing the space to meet the girl. He hoped not. That thing was huge and could easily take his thin frame down if he wanted too. “I hoped the bubbly pies are to your liking. And your whers of course. I made them so I’m hoping they don’t taste too horrendous.” The words flew out of his mouth smoothly, a crooked grin attached to his face. It was clear that it wasn’t his first time chatting up someone of the opposite gender.

[Shekru]

(( OOC: Woo! ))

The brown wher's eyes flew to the approaching blonde and gently whirled a curious green color. There was no sign of distress from his bond, so he continued his chewing, though this time forgetting to withdraw his head. A few crumbs fell on the floor, and Fyg turned briefly to reprimand the Wher. "Oy, c'mon now, where're yer manners, yer gettin' their floor dirty." She chided, and for a moment the blonde was ignored while the woman bent and scooped up the crumbs. Apparently, she wasn't the type to make people clean up her own messes. That, at least, would explain her bringing her own flatware.

Once the crumbs had been dumped outside, Fyg turned to the boy and grin. "Ah, these're your handi-work, eh? Right nice! Far from horrendous, in fact they're nice'n tart. Some folk make 'em a bit too much on the sweet side, but I like 'em when they have some kick to 'em. Same with this one." A thumb crooked back over her shoulder toward the window. The Wher nosed his way in again and bumped the woman's shoulder. "Ain' often he gets treats like this, kitchen's usually pretty dead this time'a night. Sorta glad t'see some folk up an' about, though looks like you been up an' about a bit too long. Siddown, he won' bite." She was cheerful, and perky. Awake, certainly, and obviously didn't need the klah, but there it went up to her lips and down the hatch. "Name's Fyg. This 'ere is Fygwesk. Say hi, love."

As bidden, the Wher's head swiveled toward the blonde and a soft, low crooning noise served as greeting. Almost sounding like 'rooo', and his eyes whirled soft blue. Bubbly pies made Fygwesk a happy Wher. "We got here a liddle while back. Been quiet on our side'a things, I wondered if this place was th'same. Then again, bein' awake at all hours of the night kinda makes things quiet anyway.." Logic. It struck her a moment, and then was shrugged off. "What'cher name, Cookie?"

[panther]

((bahahahahaha Fygwesk's eating bubbly pies now?! *laughs hysterically* ooohmaaaannnn! I was tempted to bring hester in, but She'd be a drag on this one I'll content myself to watching xD))

[Akki]

Viktu had never really seen a wher up close before, only from far away. The other Holds that he had lived at through out his life time either didn’t have wher halls or if they did, Viktu just never saw them. Only at Caspian had he caught a glimpse or two of the creatures. They were large beasts, smaller than dragons obviously and maybe a little less regal looking but they looked mighty fine to the cook.

He had to grin when the girl scolded the wher and picked up the crumbs that fell from his mouth. “Most people make messes on purpose so they can watch us clean it up.” Viktu laughed, not quite sure of what to think of this girl. Was she a germaphobe maybe? No, probably not. If she was she probably wouldn’t have stepped into the kitchen. Still, he had to wonder about who brought their own plates and picked up the tiniest of crumbs. He didn’t mind of course, it did mean less work for him and the others. He took her up on her offer and once again sat into one of the chairs, “I know what you mean. I find bubbly pies are less enjoyable when they’re just strictly sweet. You need some variety in there to really enjoy them.” His eyes twinkled with joy at the fact that someone thought the same way. He never could understand people who wanted things to be only sweet. Well, he had a sweet tooth himself but he couldn’t even being to imagine eating only sweet things all the time.

His mouth turned into a slight grimace. Oops, so it did look like he was lacking on a bit of sleep. He wondered if he looked pale, that grimace turning into a slight smile. He was already pale, how much paler could he get before looking like the walking dead? He nodded as she spoke, “I know what you mean. It’s been calm over here for a while now too, just the usual stuff going on. Nothing exciting but there’s enough to keep us busy.” He placed his elbows onto the table, a hand resting under his chin as it propped up his head. Another crooked grin appeared on his face when he was called ‘Cookie’. He bowed his head slightly, with a flourish of the hand included, to the brown wher and his handler. “Nice to meet you Fyg, Fygwesk. I’m Viktu.”

He had yet to really seen the wher hall. When he wasn’t working, he was either sleeping or trying to unwind before his next shift. “Are there many other whers at the hall?”

[Shekru]

"Most people eat like barbarians'n forget that someone has th'unpleasant job of pickin' up after them. Ain' tootin' my own horn or anythin', but if I c'n keep you in th'kitchen instead of makin' you come out here an' clean up after folk, I'd be happier. Can't cook food while you're sweepin'." Fyg said with a grin and sipped from her mug. Fygwesk rested his chin on the window's sill and blew steam through his nostrils at his handler, attention diverting to the male figure curiously as he introduced himself.

"F'wesk says y'smell good." Fyg said, mouth half full of klah before she swallowed. "If y'want somethin' more t'busy yer hands, I might steal ya t'help me with a few kills. I hunt, and Fygwesk can't eat all th'meat I bring in, so we might be able t'provide th'kitchen with some good meat." Another sip of klah, and she blinked at his final question. A bemused sound escaped past her lips and she shook her head. "No. As'a right now there's on'y three of us, but it's early, yet. One gold, one bronze, one brown. Decent start, at least. Just gotta send out th'call for more handlers t'come on in. How 'bout on this end? You one of many cooks, or a small bunch?"

[Akki]

“I like your logic.” He grinned. He much prefer spending his time in the kitchens but he also enjoyed lending a hand to the drudges and help out with the cleaning. Plus it was always a pretty opportune moment to be filled in on Caspian gossip. Which actually seemed to be lacking recently he couldn’t help think with a frown. He let the frown be replaced with a rather devious looking smile, “It’s fine when people make a mess on purpose. We have some tricky cooks back there. They’ll just put the mess into the blokes food.”. He had done it on a few occasions. If people were going to act like complete jerks, they should be expecting divine retribution. “Your food will forever be safe though, I’ll make sure of that.”

“He doesn’t smell so bad himself.” Viktu laughed. He had never been complimented by a wher before. It was a…peculiar thing. It was nice to know that he didn’t smell bad though. He probably smelled like food then again, the aroma from the kitchen clinging onto him and his clothes. “Really? I may take you up on that opportunity then.” Viktu mused. They mostly got fish and other bounty from the lake to cook up since it was convenient for Caspian. It would be a nice treat to get something else every now and then.

Three whers wasn’t all that bad considering the fact the Wher Hall was relatively new. “I’ll spread the word. See if any of the cooks or drudges know someone with a wher who’d be up for a change of scenery.” He offered with a slight grin. It was doubtful that anyone would, but it was the thought that counted right? “How old is Fygwesk?” He was curious about the wher, not knowing much information about them. He bobbed his head side to side, thinking for a moment – searching for an answer to Fyg’s question. “Caspian is a pretty big Hold, so we have a fair number of cooks. Not enough though, in my opinion. Too long of a day, it’d be nice to get some fresh faces to take over for a bit.”

[Shekru]

( Sorry for the slow responses, Akkidear, I post when I can XD Parents keep me plenty busy!))

When the cooks' diabolical plan is unfolded, Fyg's grin grows from politely interested to all out ~amused~. "Oh, I like th'sound of your sort. Smart move." She laughed, and leaned back in her chair, fingers curled about her mug loosely. "Right noble of ya. Knew there was a reason I didn' leave messes! Don' much like to eat 'em, though Fygwesk'll eat just about anything.." The wher rumbled as if to agree and dropped his heavy chin on the woman's shoulder. One more bubbly pie was lifted from the plate and popped into the brown's maw before it disappeared out the window. "I'd swear by the first shards all his teeth are sweet-toothes." Fyg grumbled, and then looked to Viktu.

"Sure thing. You'll get t'help me dress'em though, an' I should warn, I get a bit bossy when it comes to th'hides. Make stuff out of 'em an' I sell it at gathers, so I need'm intact. Ain' that hard, though, an' I've got all the tools needed."

The mug was raised and she sipped out of it again, eyes staying on the blonde with curiosity. "That'd be nice. Could use some more faces 'round the wher side. Don' get me wrong, Danae an' Alder are great, but they turn int' siblings rather quick an' as most born t'big families can tell ya, ain' always fun talkin' to your brother'n sister all th'time." A small chuckle and she answered, "Four turns. He's a youngin', but y'can't really tell by th'size of 'im." Already finished with his proffered pie, Fygwesk slid his head into the window and replaced his large chin to the woman's shoulder. His head was easily twice as large as hers, though the weight of it didn't seem to bother his handler in the least. When Viktu detailed the number of cooks, Fyg set her mug down and grinned. "Y'ever get to take th'day off? If not, I may have t'kidnap you."

[Akki]

((Ohhh Shekalek. Don’t even worry about it ENJOY YO VAKASHUNDOG.))

“But don’t give away our secret. There’s some big looking guys around here and I like having my face intact.” Viktu added with a slight grimace. There were a couple of characters that would probably love to get violent if they found out they’ve been eating dust and who knows what. “I think Fygwesk is a better cleaner than some of the drudges here.” He laughed, watching the brown wher chomp down on another bubbly pie. Hopefully what he just said wouldn’t spread around. Perina would have his hide in a matter of seconds if she heard he was more or less badmouthing drudges. She was a scary girl, that one. “Masculine appearance on the outside, bubbly pies on the inside. A great combination in my opinion.”

Viktu let a crooked grin play on his lips, “You won’t be the first person to be bossy with me.” He leaned in closer to Fyg, dropping his voice to a whisper. “The headcook is loud and vicious.” If you listened hard enough during the day, you could hear the woman bellow at the others. She was quite commanding – a nice quality when you’re watching a number of cooks though.

“Ick, I know what you mean. I had eight siblings, all loud mouths. Couldn’t keep their hands to themselves even.” Viktu groaned. Even though he often complained about them, he did miss seeing them at times. They had made a good team in the kitchen, well the girls and him at least. His brothers were never really that interested in cooking. “I think the bubbly pies grew inside of him, he’s massive.” The cook speculated, still amazed at the critter in front of him.

“Can’t kidnap the willing.” He shot back, another grin on his face. “I have to admit that on my days off I normally sleep, but I’ll be willing to sacrifice that for you.”

[Shekru]

"Y'secret is safe with me." Fyg raised a hand and mimed a key locking her lips before her smile disrupted the 'lock'. "'Sides, wouldn' want you gettin' your face rearranged on account of my jaws flappin'." Brass eyes studied the younger man with a sort of renewed curiosity. Here was someone on par with her sense of humor! At last, Caspian Hold had provided her with a kindred spirit. That he was a cook was simply bonus. The comment about Fygwesk had her looking to the large brown again, fondly. The way she looked to the wher was somewhat maternal, coupled with unfettered adoration. "Think he'd eat his Dig, were it not for me sleepin' in it. Idn' that right, m'little mudball." Crooon ~ Fygwesk stuck his neck out a little further and Fyg's hand rubbed the underside of the brown's throat.

Viktu's talk of the headcook had both brows raising along the handlers' forehead. She laughed quietly, and took a cursory look behind her toward the kitchens. No, no death-by-frying-pan woman was thundering out, so she figured they were safe for the time being. "To be fair, I ain' half the tyrant she is." A finger was wagged in caution toward him. "Fact, I'm a downright sweety compared t'her!" So she said.

Mug in hand again, Fyg kept her eyes on the cook as he spoke, and smiled at his family recall. "Y'lucky. It was jus' me an' that got boring." A sip of klah was snuck in before she chuckled. "Oh, aye, he's a biggun. Didn' really think much of it 'til I sat 'im next to a bronze an' saw he was near as big. S'pose I got lucky, grabbin' the ugly egg. Sommat told me whatever was in it was mine, an' sure 'nough." Said critter continued to be part of the conversation, chin resting on Fyg's shoulder while her hand lazily stroked over the top of his long nose. The woman eyed the contents of her mug a moment, then grinned. Broadly, wickedly.

"'Bout how long you on kitchen duty for, t'night?" Eyes skirted up again and the shifting gears of her thoughts were nearly visible in the plotting expression dancing over her features.

[Akki]

“I’d rather not get my face rearranged no matter whose jaws are flapping.” He laughed, adding, “I think I’m okay looking and I really rather not become any worse.” Broken noses, split lips, black eyes. All very unattractive accessories one would have to cart around. However, he may be willing if it meant he could somehow spend more time with Fyg. She was the only person who hadn’t scolded him for putting things in peoples food, a definite plus. He grinned as she turned her attention to the wher, calling him pet names and such. “That’s understandable. I hear Digs are delicious. I know these things, I’m a cook.” Whers were rather…peculiar looking creatures but when Fygwek crooned he looked quite adorable.

“Then I’ll spend my time with you instead of her then.” He laughed, probably unknowingly flirting once more. It made sense to him. Danae wouldn’t be threatening to stab him with one of the kitchen knives at least, or so he hoped. He liked his body best when it didn’t have knife holes in it.

“I’m willing to sell you some of my siblings? No one will even notice one of them is missing. I’m pretty they think I’m still there with them somewhere.” He replied with a crooked grin. He actually wouldn’t doubt it; his mom probably just thought he was taking a long time in the store room to find a certain ingredient. “How much bigger are gold whers then?” He asked, genuinely curious. Fygwesk seemed huge to him, surely golds couldn’t be that much bigger.

He leaned in at her last question, dropping his voice to a whisper. “I can ditch it right now if you have something up your sleeve? I’m technically taking over a friends shift but I am more than willing to cop out.”

[Shekru]

"Eh, you're okay." Fyg retorted to his claim of being decent-looking, though the calibur of her grin gave away that she was merely joking with him. There may just have been something in the way the huntress was looking at him that might have suggested she thought otherwise, however. After all, looking at him didn't seem to hurt, else she would not have done it quite so much. "Well all right, cook, what'cha gonna do t'make our Dig not so delicious? I gotta sleep there, too, y'know! I can't have him chompin' it!"

Unknowingly or not, Viktu's flirting seemed to have an odd effect on the otherwise rough-and-tumble woman. Where her cheeks were pale from lack of sun, a near miniscule hint of a blush snuck through and colored them, though she leaned back enough that it wasn't as visible - so she thought.

"Pff, you keep 'em, I s'pect bein' tied t'this one is near 'nough t'havin' siblings." Again, her hand stroked the Wher's head, and she offered, in observation, "Golds are near th'size of them big 'ol workin' Runners. Th'ones with the fuzzy feet, I mean. Danask is, anyway. Big girl, beautiful hide. This'n's near th'size of the bronze we have over in th'Hold, so I think Aldesk might be on the smallish size for his color, but that don' matter much. Aldesk's a good Wher."

When the talk returned to conspiratorial, she grinned broadly and took a look around. Most of the cooks were in the kitchen and busied, and the hall had cleared of the lingering hungerers. With a small chuckle, Fyg rose, dusted her plates off out the window, finished her klah, and stored the items before she, herself, went out the window. She landed in the waiting straps along Fygwesk's shoulders and called in, "C'mon! This boy's more'n sturdy enough t'carry both of us." She scooted forward and patted the straps behind her. It was unlikely that Viktu had ever seen a Wher trained or used in such a manner, and that idea delighted the handler. She was strange, she knew it. Sometimes, though, it was very worth it.

[Akki]

“Ehhh? Only okay? Your words hurt me, Lady Fyg.” Viktu replied, pressing a hand against his chest as if he was mortally wounded before winking at the woman. He leaned on the table, placing an elbow on it as he propped up his head – deep in thought. “Well. Not much really. Maybe join Fygwesk in consuming it?” He offered as if that was really a very helpful situation. “Or you could just borrow my room for your sleeping needs.” He laughed loudly.

He eyed Fygwesk and nodded, “Not only is that close enough to having a sibling, but he’s better looking than anyone else in my family. Most of my brothers got stuck with a fierce lazy eye, you see.” Or maybe they were just too tired to keep their eyes open. Either way, it wasn’t very attractive. Runners were big; Viktu couldn’t even begin to imagine seeing a wher as large as that. The image just couldn’t compute in his mind. “So there’s Danask the Gold, Aldesk the Bronze and Fygwesk the Brown. I think I’m catching on!” He was obviously pretty proud that he had memorized names and colors.

He watched with amusement as Fyg cleaned up after herself and then sat upon the large wher’s shoulders with a beckon to him. His eyes had surely gone wide at that. “Are you serious?” He choked out, clearly not used to anything like this. He knew nothing of whers, could people really sit upon them? More importantly, could two people? “Oh Faranth, you’re serious. I won’t die will I?” He questioned, eyeing the beast with caution. He let out a sigh, and tightened the cloth around his head. If he was going to die, he didn’t want messy hair. He hoisted himself onto the window and spent a few moments before managing to land behind Fyg and into the other set of straps. “I’m holding onto you I hope you know, this way if I fall I won’t be falling alone.” He mumbled as he wrapped his arms around the woman.

[Shekru]

His mock hurt was regarded with a grin that, at the very least, seemed to imply that 'only okay' was not at all what she truly thought. Talk was left off as she mounted, and when he questioned her sincerity on the matter, she laughed.

"'Course I'm serious, been doin' this with him since he outgrew the herdbeasts." His question of death went unanswered until he was firmly seated behind her. "Nah, y'won't die. Fact, I dare t'say y'ain' quite lived yet. But we'll fix that. Won' we?" Fygwesk rumbled deeply from below, the vibration enough to put a buzz in the woman's bones. Viktu's hold was regarded with a chuckle. "Nice excuse." She muttered under her breath before a nonverbal go was issued and the wher began to move.

There was no slow, there was no preparation. Fyg held onto Viktu's wrist tightly a moment before the lumbering brown shot off into the surrounding foliage. It was a path he was familiar with, and that was evident in the loping, rolling motions of his run. Fyg laughed, and released the man's wrist when she was satisfied he knew to hold on tight. "He's got ahold of somethin'. Might be deer. Looks like you get a crash course t'night!"

[Akki]

Fyg had been riding the wher for a long time, but Viktu hadn’t. This just meant if one of them was going to die, it was going to be him and not her. He also noted that she didn’t reply until he was stuck on the beast so even if he wanted to back out, he couldn’t.

And in a few seconds he lurched, the wher taking off. It wasn’t a slow pace that one would expect from such a large creature – it was fast, nerve wracking fast. I am going to die. I won’t be able to say bye to Perina or cook bubbly pies ever again Were the thoughts going through his head as leaves whipped around them. It was reassuring to have Fyg holding on to his wrist, he believed that it was probably preventing him from falling off and hitting the ground. He grimaced slightly when she let go but didn’t relinquish his grip. He was so not letting go any time soon. “Oh Faranth, please don’t say crash. I’m having images of us hitting a tree and dying.” He gasped, still unnerved by this experience.

“How long does it take to get used to going so fast?” He asked with genuine curiosity. He wasn’t sure if he’d be able to get used to it. He was glad though that Fygwesk had managed to get something, less chance of the wher trying to eat him.

[Shekru]

Indeed, Fyg had. It was obvious both in the way she sat in the makeshift saddle, and in the way she seemed to move and interpret the Wher's motions. She returned her hand to the cook's wrist to keep him grounded, or at least give him the illusion of security. Boys worried too much, she thought. A laugh rose high and bright in her throat, and she turned to look back at him.

"We're not gonna hit any shardin' trees! He's made for this. Eyesight's better'n ours by leaps'n'bounds. Oh, speakin' of which, y'might wanna hang on a bit tighter." And in case he wasn't quick enough, Fyg's arms wrapped around the front of his, knees trusted alone to keep them stuck to the brown Wher as the edge of a short cliff passed beneath their feet.

Despite being oddly proportioned and otherwise useless for true flight, Fygwesk's wings stretched outward and provided enough lift that the dive off of the cliff proved less fatal and more serene than one would imagine, given the appearance of the Wher and his build. Fyg's laugh continued and she raised one arm high above her head before giving a loud holler in joy. The other kept Viktu's arm firmly about her middle. Before too long, the ground rose solid beneath the Wher's feet and he sped off toward the area that had crept into this mind. He hunted.

"Not long!" She answered after a while, regaining her voice from the mirth that raced in her veins. "He's onto somethin', ain' food, though. He can't quite make it out, but it ain't far now!"

She was not wrong. Soon the mobile trio came to a slow stop near an eroded wall of dirt and clay. Some had hardened to stiff dryness, and little holes pocketed the face of it. Whatever it was, Fyg seemed to have an inkling and an unusual sound escaped in her throat. "Viktu. Take off your shirt." A little forward for a first date, but then again, Fyg was far from a traditional hold-bred woman.

She slipped from the Wher's back and motioned for the cook to stay put. Hair pulled back into a loose bun, she moved to the wall of dirt and sought footing. Climbing up halfway the face of the dirt, Fyg peered carefully into one of the larger holes. "This one? You sure?"

Am. Noise from there. Soon. Hurry.[/color] The Wher replied, his tail lashing with curiosity and high-energy. He remained mostly still beneath Viktu, but did wiggle now and then in excitement.

Carefully reaching in, Fyg's hand exited the hole in the dirt with a small, dull egg. Holding it up to her ear, she frowned faintly and tucked the little egg into the front of her blouse. Better not to let the spritely blonde see a dud. An arm shaped itself into a cradle, and soon, balancing carefully, Fyg began to load said arm with more eggs. Fygwesk slowly lurched closer and the woman turned at the waist to hold the precious cargo outward. "Put these in your shirt. Fygwesk seems t'think they'll hatch soon. Lucky find, eh? Put this one somewhere safer, an' keep it quiet. Want you to keep 'er." The egg Fyg referenced had a soft sheen to it, and glowed even in the dull light. Shiny. Golden. "I see 'bout a dozen more'r so in 'ere!" Following the three she had already withdrawn, it was a large clutch of firelizards that Fygwesk stumbled on.

[Akki]

She was laughing! Laughing at his images of them hitting and tree with Viktu and Fyg bits flying everywhere! “Just because he’s made for this, doesn’t mean he won’t hit a tree!” Viktu pointed out before following her advice and tightening his grip. Her arms had wrapped around his…was something about to happen?

His question was quickly answered when the wher suddenly ran off of a cliff. He didn’t say anything when they were in the air, only kept his eyes shut. There was no way he was opening them at that moment. They did open when the wher hit ground and continued to run. “He’s suicidal! He jumped off that cliff! That was worse then hitting a tree!” He blurted out. Was it obvious he wasn’t used to riding creatures; be it runner or wher. He would be eternally grateful if he could survive this adventure. The Kitchens were a lot safer.

If it wasn’t food Fygwesk was going after, then what exactly was it? Viktu had to admit he was curious now. And his curiosity was intensified when his shirt was asked to be removed. “That’s a forward pick up line, but I’m game.” He laughed as he peeled off his shirt in one fluid motion. He wrapped it around his hand and watched as Fyg climbed the mountain of dirt in front of them. “Be careful.” He murmured softly.

Fyg was probably doing the smart thing, tucking the egg into the shirt. Viktu had a sort of childish aspect to him – easily excited and easily disappointed. He might have had been crushed if he saw the dud. “Oh no way.” Viktu practically gasped as Fyg turned around and gave him some instructions. A flitter clutch! This adventure just got way more exciting. He was pretty sure he was going to have his heart explode though if it got any more exciting. He took the eggs from her and placed them gently in the soft fabric, making sure they would all fit comfortably.

He looked up at her at the egg she offered to him, “Are you sure?”. Fyg was being way too nice to him! “Thank you.” He gushed, a child like glimmer in his eye. He paused, trying to think of where to put it – his shirt was gone, and he didn’t really want to shove it in his pants as it was. He chewed his lip for a few second before untying the cloth that held his hair back. His shaggy mane fell into his face as he carefully wrapped the teal fabric around the egg before placing it in his pocket. The fabric would give it a little extra protection and he would make sure to watch how he was sitting so no harm came to the critter inside.

[Shekru]

It took her a few moments to stop staring after the cloth had freed Viktu's hair. She hadn't really been expecting a /mane/ and as well as being surprised, Fyg was also intrigued. Huh. After the golden egg had been tucked securely away, she turned back toward the hole and fished out yet more eggs. Varying shapes and sizes, some dull, some bright, some with markings that defied all natural colors on Pern. She, too, at one point removed her jacket and handed that to the cook to use as another cradle. The sleeveless shirt she wore beneath would be more than enough, even with the chill in the air.

"This is about the last of them. Shards, one of 'em is even cracking already! Gonna have to wake the Hold once we get back!" She was excited. Perhaps not so visibly as he, but enough that it was detectable. His thank you had her turning to look at him and she smiled, somewhat delicately. "I know you'll take care of 'er. B'sides, if I end up with a big male, I s'pect I'll be seein' you again." Whatever she was referring to, she didn't expound. The last egg was drawn out from the hole and gently lain into the waiting jacket. Fyg's jacket was lined with something soft, if light weight, and would provide more than enough padding.

Wake Danask and Aldesk and have them send their bonds to the dining hall. I'll have the fair-haired one round up some of his pals. Fyg shared with the Wher who, in all his excitement, followed orders swiftly.

To Aldesk and Danask, the brown's thoughts stretched out, loud and bright. Luckily, it was night, so he figured they would be awake. Mine needs. Send Yours' to Food Hall. Good things we find. Happy! The feelings sent along with the message were joyful and full of wonder. There were little things!

Climbing back down into the Wher's straps, Fyg turned and collected her jacket, giving Viktu a free arm to hold those in his shirt. "Keep a good hold on them. Fygwesk'll go slow to take us back. Arreddy got Danae and Alders' alerted, so they're gonna meet us back in th'dining hall. Might wanna run and get your bossy friend if y'd like, once we get in." With a gentle nudge, Fygwesk began a slow walk back to the Hold.