2685.01.09: On The Ice

Date: 09.01.2685 (04.29.10)
Location: Lake, Fort Weyr
People: Anaky, Galina
Firelizards: Brown Cheer, Blue Cyanosis, Blue Grump, Brown Redwort, Green Zeal
Synopsis: Ice skating lessons!


It's a less-than-clear winter afternoon, the clouds overhead being just enough to cast a cool shadow on the world below but not enough to threaten snow or ice or rain. Rukbat is visible in bursts here and there, but the weather is cold enough that the lake remains a frozen mass for the most part, just right for skating on. A trouser-wearing Galina is bundled up in her usual way, though with the addition of ice skates that have had their laces knotted just *so* and are now slung over her shoulder. Since their little impromptu adventure, the healer's been slightly more communicative with Anaky — this afternoon shows that in full (if maybe unexpectedly), with a short, if elegantly scripted, note sent via blue firelizard to the lad: 'skating at the lake, if you would like to join'. There's no mistaking the source of it — if it's not the firelizard that gives the note away, it might just be the manner of its writing. In either case, she's there, her satchel on the ground and with herself seated on a blanket to start pulling boots off and put skates on.

The soft crunch of booted feet signals the arrival of one Anaky, bundled against the cold in long pants and a thick wintr jacket - both in shades of silvery grey that make his already pale face seem that much paler. His hair is tucked up neatly under a similarly light knitted cap, not a stray strand peeking out, the hat itself patterned with white, with a matching scarf wrapped about his neck and shoulders. Grey gloves and boots, in a darker shade than the other garments, are the only change. Despite the monochrome color scheme, the clothing looks particularly well-tailored if.. a bit ill-fitting. Another of Journeyman Riese's creations? Quite likely. At least the slightly oversized clothes aren't /too/ big on him, though it does accentuate the lankyness of his build. A pair of skates is held in one hand, the other holding the note that was sent, the boy reading it still as he walks, looking up once the lake is close in order to spot the author there. "Hey!" he calls cheerfully to Galina, smiling easily as he approaches, "I got your note. You… wanted to go ice skating?" Trailing in the air behind him are three firelizards - a brown, a blue, and a green - all three fairly young and swooping aloft without a care and trilling happy melodies to one another. They, apparently, don't seem to mind the cold. Unlike Anaky, whose nose is already acquiring a faint reddish tinge. The lake is eyed curiously, the lad admitting, "I've never really done this before."

Scarf, jacket, gloves — she's not as stylishly dressed as he is, but the practicality of her clothes seems to trump that, if only in her mind. She's almost finished lacing up her skates when Anaky arrives, the young healer canting a look over her shoulder at him as he makes his approach. Cyanosis is fluttering and wheeling about in the air, thoroughly enjoying himself — and welcoming the newer 'lizards with a warm trill — but Redwort is perched on the satchel, looking as ill-tempered as ever. He hisses at Anaky, but doesn't leave his perch; in either case, there's a muttered, "Redwort, cease," from Galina. Louder, for Anaky's benefit, she responds, "Yes, if you are not busy." The clothing might suggest otherwise to her, if to some degree; even if he has skates, she's not about to assume anything. There's a slight quirk of a brow as he makes his admission and then she's nodding, once, and intoning, "It is not difficult. It just requires some coordination. I have not done it in a while, either, but it seemed to be appropriate to engage in, given the weather." And probably some prodding by her mentor to not be a recluse. "If you do not wish to, however, I will understand."

Anaky tugs idly at one shirt sleeve, adjusting the slightly akward fit of the garment, and giving Redwort a faintly wary look for a second. His own trio flutter off to play in the snow, cheep-cheeping at Cyanosis to apparently join them. The boy's lips quirk up on one side in a bit of amusement for Galina's order to Redwort, the lad asking, "Do they really listen to you when you do that?" A light shrug, "Nah, I'm not busy. Riese gave me the afternoon off. And I don't have any lessons tonight," there's a pause, Anaky adding after a second, "I told Riese I'd field-test his new design." The jacket is tugged at once more befoe Anaky moves over toward the blanket. "Mind if I have a seat?" he asks with a little grin. "I'll bet I fall on my behind the moment we're out there," he chuckles, assuring, "Oh, no, it sounds like fun."

Cyanosis goes to join them happily, plowing into the snow to send it flying at them. Snow fight, firelizard-style! Redwort remains where he is, all arched and flared out and displeased, but effectively harmless. "They are good about listening to me, but I spent a lot of time training them. Redwort is still difficult, but Cyanosis is extremely clever and well-behaved." Galina gestures to the blanket when Anaky starts toward her, answering his question with, "I do not mind. The blanket is here for a reason." Namely to keep butts from getting too cold. She finishes up and draws her knees up, arms folding around them as she glances askance at him. There's a singular nod for all of his words, though a ghost of a smile emerges. "Good. We shall see if the clothing will impede your ability to skate." Thoughtful, that. "If you do fall, then I can help pick you up. I do have a first aid kit," naturally, "just in case. However, I doubt you are that clumsy."

"I suppose I should work on training mine a little better," the boy gives a faintly sheepish glance at his three, the green and brown getting right into the snowfight with enthusiasm, while his little blue one grouches about atop a snowpile, chittering at the others when they send snow his way. "They behave most of the time, but that one.." he wrinkles his nose a bit at Grump. Grump just grumps. Dropping onto the blanket with a light, "Thanks," Anaky pulls his own knees up to untie his boots and slip them off, working at lacing up the skates carefully over the hems of his pantlegs. His socks, unlike the rest of his clothes, are a bright, eye-searing shade of orange. Anaky looks vaguely embarrassed and works quickly to slip his feet back into footwear. "I hope it won't," he says honestly, about the clothing possibly getting in the way, the lad hunching his shoulders juust a little, "Uh, thanks." At the offer of picking him up. "I should be okay," he says, though pale eyes give the frozen lake a momentarily anxious look. Laughing a little weakly, Anaky adds, "Oh, uh, I'd hope not," on being clumsy, "They're training me to have 'poise' and all of that." Being a model is so demanding, after all.

"It is not as difficult to train them as many believe. It just takes a lot of patience and consistency." Then again, Galina has both of those in spades, so of course it's easy for her to say. The woman glances askance at those orange socks, one brow quirking upward in abstract curiosity rather than judgment. While he works his skates on, the healer pushes to her feet and carefully picks her way out onto the ice. It might have been some time since she's been skating, but not long enough for her to lose all of her skill, thank Faranth. "I see," she says after a moment. She keeps her balance for now, just waiting on the ice for him with the utmost of patience. Off in the snow, Cyanosis is burrowing under and tries to sneak his way around the green and brown to 'attack' from behind. Redwort just looks cranky from his vantage on the satchel, stalking around and shooting the firelizardly equivalent of dark glares at everyone and everything — except Grump, who might be worth some measure of sympathy. Maybe.

"Patiance and consistency," Anaky repeats, a little dully. Possibly, the lad might lack a bit of that, giving the firelizards over there something of a guilty look. Grump may be a kindred spirit to Redwort, the blue growling lowly at the others and keeping his huffy position atop the snowpile, and making little grumbly noises anytime one of the others flicks the smallest amount of snow his way. The green and brown have far more enthusiasm for the game, being appropriately baffled and then startled when Cyanosis attacks from behind! Squawk squawk! Anaky leaves the flitters to play, carefully getting to his feet and.. wobbling. At first it's slight, the snow on the ground helping a little, but by the first step there's some windmilling action, and then grey eyes go wide with a, "Uuuh-" as he prompty toppled backward. Poise, huh?

There's a shallow inclination of her head, confirming those words with a look of impassivity. "I have a book on training them if that might help," she adds after a moment, reaching up to adjust her head-scarf. Galina lapses into silence when Anaky starts to walk … and then falls back. The line of her mouth pulls slightly to a side and she carefully, oh-so-carefully, picks her way back to where he is. "Perhaps we should have been closer to the ice from the start," is her assessment. "Are you alright?" The latter is asked as she extends a hand helpfully, intending to help him up to his feet if he'll accept it. Meanwhile, Cyanosis is happily accosting the other two firelizards with snow and all sorts of other nefariousness. At least someone's having fun?

Falling already, and he hadn't even made it to the ice yet! Anaky's tush lands right back on the blanket, the boy making a little 'ooph' noise as he quite suddenly finds himself sitting back down. He might even look a bit surprised at this. "Oh, uh.." he adjusts his hat, tucking back a bit of hair that managed to escape from under it, "..that might have helped." About being closer to the lake. "I'm okay," he assures with a sheepish grin, "Just didn't expect it." What it was, he doesn't specify, instead attempting to get to his feet again, and accepting that hand up with a slightly embarrassed look. "Thanks," is mumbled, the boy extending one hand out to try to balance himself. "This is trickier than it looks," he observes, managing a grin, "I think I've got it now." Indeed, despite the wobbling and some very obvious back and forth unbalancing, he doesn't loose his footing again. Meanwhile, Zeal and Cheer are totally ganging up on Cyanosis. Snowfiight!

"Next time, that will be remedied." That assurance made, Galina helps him up and then withdraws her hand once he seems balanced enough. She's relatively quick to return to the ice — as quick as she can be while wearing skates, anyway — where she waits again for Anaky to make his way along. "It is a test of balance. Once you are on the ice and moving, it is much easier to stay upright," she points out mildly. For now, her hands remain at her sides, though, when he comes a bit closer, she'll extend a hand to assist him in keeping his balance on the ice if it appears necessary. The healer slants a look to where the firelizards are romping around, then over to the hissing, rankled Redwort, if only to keep track of what the lot of them are doing for now.

Anaky looks slightly panicked when Galina heads off for the ice, eyes getting a little wide there for a second. "Oh, that's.. okay," he offers a thin smile, wobbling juust a bit. But he can hardly back out now, so very carefully, the boy takes a step forward. And another. And another. He makes his way slowly toward the lake, eyes on his feet. Wobble. Wobblewobble. There's a jerky motion as he starts to tilt sideways, but he manages to catch himself in time, looking up briefly with a sheepish grin. "I don't think I've passed the test yet," is said wryly, before he turns his attention back to his skates. Once he's near enough, he stops. The ice is given a momentarily apprehensive look, but taking a breath, he plants one foot on it, simultenously taking Galina's hand in a tight but not-quite-deathgrip. "Here goes," is murmured, and the other foot is placed on the ice beside the first. There's a cringe in expectation but.. he only slides forward a little ways.

"Slowly," is uttered, deadpan, as a reaction to his visible apprehension. Deathgrip or not, her hold is steady and her expression as blank as ever while he finally sets foot on the ice. Galina shifts her stance slightly, a partial slide-step back taken, and then she queries blandly, "Will you be alright if I release your hand? I can demonstrate how to move more easily that way." A reassuring squeeze of his hand is given, a faint distortion at the corner of her mouth sufficing as something of a smile to the same end. "You will do sufficiently well if you are willing to take your time with it."

There's a nod for the 'slowly', Anaky straightening up as the sliding slows to a stop and he's left standing on the ice. The hand not currently gripping Galina's remains stretched out for balance, in case he needs to catch himself with all that continued wobbling. "Oh! Uh," he quickly lets go of her hand, cheeks pinkening at the squeeze, "Yeah." The head-bob is accompanied by some more jerky balance-catching, but he manages it! "Got it, go slow, take my time," he nods to her, grinning lightly, "It can't be any worse than walking a down a ramp in the things Reise has me wear sometimes." Of course, he's less likely to fall on his bottom, but anyway. Hands held out to each side, he watches what Galina does, eyes flicking down only occasionally to make sure his feet aren't about to head off somewhere without him.

A thin ghost of a smile is offered, a satisfied thing rather than one of amusement at his somewhat-floundering. Galina inclines her head, then turns away, stating, "Look at my feet. Follow the movement. It is not much different from walking." Ignoring, of course, that they're on blades on the ice — it's just a minor thing, really. She gives him a moment to orient himself and then she starts off at a slow pace, arms swinging to either side to keep her balance. A glance is canted over her shoulder at him after a few steps, just to check on him before she continues for a few more. Slow but steady; she's not particularly graceful, per se, but her movements are efficient and smooth in their own right.

Anaky watches her movements, nodding vaguely at Galina's words. After a sort while, and some chewing of his bottom lip, he takes a breath in, "It looks simple enough," mumbled while his eyes go to his own feet. Before he starts after her across the ice, there is a brief look around. Just to make sure nobody else is watching. The lat attempts to emulate Galina, lowering his arms and sliding forward. It's awkward, and wobbly, and slow. But he makes it. A little laugh escapes, "Shells, I don't think I've ever been on anything this slippery," jerking to the side suddenly as his balance wavers. He catches himself once again, however, and then keeeps on sliding, actually starting to go past her. "Uh.. how do I stop..?" is asked, the slight speed he'd picked up in moving forward making it difficult to simply slide to a stop now.

"It will get easier," she assures. A few longer, gliding steps are taken and she builds up some speed — only to allow one foot to trail back and allow the blade to drag on the ice behind her to slow down. "Like that," Galina says, though she does explain, "Drag one foot behind you and place your weight on the other. The blade will produce the necessary resistance." Once she stops, she turns to face him, the better to watch his progress of course. There's a slow blink, her mien as impassive as ever. "Make sure to keep your leading toe up, so you do not dig it into the ice. You will trip otherwise."

Anaky doesn't look as if he believes her about it getting easier, the apprehension remaining behind pale eyes. Still, the lad watches her again, catching his lower lip between his teeth, eyebrows sneaking together. "How do.. oh, I see," he sticks one foot out behind him, trying to copy what Galina is doing. The gradual stop brings a grin back to his face. "Seems simple enough," famous last words, the boy nodding at that caution and, like a badly coreographed dance routine, does exactly that - the front of his skate digs into the ice just as he's stopping, catching him off-guard, and there's a panicked moment where he jerks backward, arms flailing. Unfortunately, that only succeeds in having his back foot fly out from under him, and down he goes! Again.

"Of course," she says, nodding once when he seems to get it down. Galina's brows quirk just a little when he speaks again, only to knit when he does exactly what he shouldn't do — and winds up on the ice well before she has a chance to try to intercept. The healer, to her credit, doesn't seem exasperated or frustrated; rather, she just skates over and then stops, bracing her feet just *so* while offering a hand down to him. And if she's smiling, it's not a teasing thing by any means; then again, it's a there and gone kind of smile, a flicker across her mien. "You did well. When you feel ready, we can attempt it again."

Anaky lands flat on his back, another 'ooph' there, legs and arms splayed out in what might be fairly comical. He at least doesn't appear to have hit his head or anything, as his expression is more one of sheepishness rather than pain. He lies there a second, cheeks puffed out in a bit of a huffed sigh, eyeing the clouds overhead. Sitting up slowly, the boy takes a moment to adjust his hat again, a faint blush coloring his face at her words. "Oh, uh.. thanks," he mumbles, accepting the hand up with not so tight a grip this time. If he caught that smile, he doesn't show it, looking acutely embarrassed for the fall. "Uh, sure," he gets to his feet, unsteady while he tries to find his balance again. He manages it, but only just, hand loosening but not letting go yet. "How long did it take you to learn to do this?" he asks, giving the ice a dubious glance, fingers then uncurling from around hers with another, "Thanks."

Sympathy might be there. Somewhere. But she's poor about showing it, so perhaps the apparent lack of it might be for the better. Galina just patiently waits for him to get oriented again, the hand remaining out for as long as necessary before he takes it. Her grip is solid but not tight, as unwavering as her stance. "Of course," is for his thank-yous and, just before he releases her hand, there's a light squeeze of his fingers given. Then she's freed and the healer skates ahead a few yards … only to stop and turn before answering. "It took a while. But it is something that, when learned, cannot precisely be forgotten." She remains poised, lifting a hand to him to beckon him over in what might be a test of sorts. Can he make it that far in one piece?

Anaky's cheeks color just a little more, gaze flicking down to her hand for a second before she lets go. He doesn't say anything, but there is a weak smile for that. "So.. like learning to ride a runner, then?" he grins, watching her skate away with renewed apprehension. He tries not to show it, swallowing and standing upright, keeping his arms extended. "I just need to get the hang of it, I guess," smiling despite the unsteady footing. There is a bit of a blink when Galina beckons to him, but Anaky starts forward slowly, shifting from side to side to keep his weight from going too far one way and unbalancing him. It seems to work, at least, until he apparently realizes he's skating towards her and isn't slowing. "Uuuh," clearly unsure of what to do for a second before he sticks one foot out behind him, trying to stop. Properly this time. Well, at least he isn't going very fast.

"Precisely," says she of the comparison. There's a shallow nod and then she lapses into silent stillness again while he gains his bearings. Galina lowers her hand and just watches his approach, though a slight crease forms between her brows when it seems that the act of slowing down comes a bit slowly to him. She braces her foot behind her, both arms extended in front of her as if preparing for collision; since he's not going too fast, it shouldn't be too bad. She hopes. Regardless, she suggests, "Dig the rear blade in a little deeper, Anaky."

A fleeting look of panic slits across Anaky's face, but he follows her directions, digging the blade in perhaps a bit more forcefully than neccessary. The boy comes to an immediate stop, consdering he wasn't going vry fast to begin with, hands coming up as well to brace himself. And then just staying there, the lad blinking at Galina for a moment, "Oh, uh." He drops his arms, having come fairly close, but, luckily, collision averted. The boy rubs the back of his neck, sheepish almost, but has to quickly drop his hand as his balance falters. It doesn't fail, however, the teen catching himself and then grinning lightly. Success! Or a sort, anyway.

The girl is unflinching, just prepared and waiting to see whether or not imminent collision is meant to come to fruition. When it doesn't, one arm lowers … but the other remains out, her index finger extending to reach for the tip of his nose. Just because she can. "Well done," Galina intones, then lowers her arm and half-turns, starting off at a slow skate … only to stop, turn, and pause again. "Do you see? There is nothing to be afraid of at all, except for falling — and that is something that is a temporary inconvenience." At best. She'll be kind and not list all of the possible worst case scenarios; no need to terrify the lad into fleeing from the ice. "How are you feeling about it now?" she wonders, her chin lifting just a touch.

Anaky doesn't move his head back, though maybe it's because he's afraid he might unbalance himself again. Grey eyes cross briefly, in an attempt to track her finger to his nose. Beep. He doesn't actually beep, of course. But he does blink and pinkify. Just a tad. Then again, his nose is already quite pink from the cold, so perhaps it's not that noticeable. That's probably what he'll be hoping, anyway. He watches her turn and move off again, brow furrowing a little. When he realizes she's just repeating the previous 'lesson', he nods and starts forward once more. Slowly. "It seems pretty simple. Just.. need to practice.." which is what they're doing. Yay. He's likely going to be very glad she refrains from listing all the possible injuries, the lad looking down and concentrating on his footing for a bit. "I'd prefer not to fall down, either," he comments, one side on his mouth twitching upward in a wry smile. "Oh, fine I guess?" that last question earning a puzzled look. As he approches her again, he stops a bit quickly, several feet from her. Another hseepish grin, and he's sliding the last few feet at a crawl. But at least he stops properly this time.

Does she notice the increased pinkification? Probably, but she doesn't comment on it. There's practice to be had and all. Galina remains where she is, as before, and just waits for him to catch on and then, eventually, catch up. "Provided the weather holds," she finally says, "we can probably practice a few times a sevenday or so until winter ends. By then, you will not need to worry about falling at all; you will just need to worry about keeping up." This last is offered with a faint, fleeting smile, almost teasing but not quite. It's an attempt at playful friendliness that's tempered with her usual lack of discernible expression. She lapses into silence again, granting a singular nod for his answer to her query, though no clarification comes to attempt to clear up his puzzlement. It seems to answer the question, anyway. His start-stop-start-stop-style of approach earns a slow blink, an extension of the initial silence … and, eventually, there's a flat: "Do you feel comfortable going a little faster and further this time? Or would you like to take a break?'

Anaky bobs his head, grinning lightly, "So long as another blizzard doesn't bury Fort," the teen turning to glance back toward the weyr. "I'm usually here at least a few times a sevenday," facing Galina once again, "I wouldn't mind more ice skating. It's pretty fun." Minus the falling on his behind part. Ahem. His grin quirks up on one side, crooked for a moment, thin brows lifting, "Oh? I'll have to work hard to keep up with you, then. Better get started on practicing, or I'll forever be holding your hand." His own tone is light, somewhat teasing. Tilting his head, eyes flickering to his footwear, Anaky shrugs, replying with a nonchalant, "I could go faster." A pause, "Let's try it." The boy certainly /looks/ more confident about this whole ice skating business, and he'll probably be out there for as long as she's willing to practice with him, despite the inevitable spills and flops - he'll get over those brief embarrassments quickly.

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