Logs:A Reputation Of Some Kind
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| RL Date: 10 September, 2012 |
| Who: Azaylia, Brieli |
| Involves: High Reaches Weyr |
| Type: Log |
| What: One gold wrassles, the other watches, and their riders talk about all sorts of things. |
| Where: Eastern Bowl, High Reaches Weyr |
| When: Day 3, Month 10, Turn 29 (Interval 10) |
| Weather: A lovely, cloudless sky offers warm sunshine during the day, though the weather turns distinctly chilly after dark. |
| Mentions: N'rov/Mentions, Ali/Mentions, L'hai/Mentions |
| Eastern Bowl, High Reaches Weyr Ringed by rough granite walls to all sides but one, this end of the huge bowl narrows from the even broader plain to the west, continuing the ever so slight downward slope toward the blue and green of the Weyr's lake and surrounding foliage. More open to sun and wind than the western bowl, but less frequented when there aren't weyrlings in residence, the bowl's grassy tufts keep the topsoil in place and thicken into a bloodstained meadow within the feeding pens that adjoin the lake. At the base of the surrounding cliffs lie entrances to several caverns, including the dragon infirmary and the weyrling barracks: the former to the northwest near where the spires begin, the latter opposite to the southwest. Both archways are large and dark enough for any dragon to pass through, but it's the infirmary's that is haunted by faint smells of redwort and numbweed, as though over generations they have seeped into the very stone. To the southeast, between the weyrling area and the lake, there are a handful of structures built into the floor of the bowl, standing out amidst otherwise an empty space. The weyr is hardly slow and still in the afternoon, especially during such pleasant weather. Folk are taking advantage of the clear sky and warmth for as long as it lasts, whether it's used to get more work done than usual, or an excuse to splash about in the nearby lake. Whatever the task, it leaves much of the bowl too busy, too crowded for one to exercise their dragon other than the depressingly deserted weyrling area. There, Hraedhyth is rearing up against and chasing two blues, snarling and nudging them with a well placed shoulder. It's quite frenzied play, though the sight of Azaylia perched nearby might soothe one's fears. The boulder is smooth, almost a table, her legs curled up beneath the skirt of her dress with both knitting and hidework perched next to her. Currently, she has plucked up a page to read when her eyes aren't lifting to check up on the dragon games. Summer has faded into autumn, and it's true - at High Reaches, that only lasts so long, and even Brieli, only around for a little over a turn, is well aware of it. She and Iesaryth haven't been in the crowded bowl, but high above for sometime after returning from somewhere or the other, making lazy loops through the spires and around while the air is still warm enough for them both. But eventually, eventually, the sunburst gold will glide down to land nearer to Azaylia than her brawnier sister, though Hraedhyth and her blues are offered a cheery rumble, sparkly ocean thoughts. As she dismounts, her rider calls, "Is hidework not enough for you?" Hraedhyth pauses to roar joyfully at her newly arrived sister, distracted by Iesaryth for only a moment. It's in this exchange of bright waves and drumming adrenaline that one of the blues strikes. Despite her painfully obvious size advantage, when he playfully lunges for her throat, the queen is 'thrown' onto her side. Thus, her only hope of keeping them at bay is with a few careful, lazy swipes which always seem to miss. Azaylia has been watching with a fond smile, startled into looking Brieli's way by her call. She lifts a hand in greeting, confusing doing little to her good mood, "How do you mean?" Iesaryth doesn't join in, nor does she retreat to her ledge yet either - the view isn't quite as good there, and how often does Hraedhyth get knocked over? (Even if it's a bit of a fake-out.) She settles with a rustling of wings as fussy as Brieli's toss and finger-comb of her loosed hair. Walking over to the boulder with an easy stride, the other weyrling quirks a little smile before, "Knitting and reading. Do you ever do... nothing?" She says it as if she can't quite imagine it, climbing up on the flat rock. Hraedhyth is in poor form, letting her underbelly and paws get nipped at by the pair of blues. Throughout it all she's uttering low snarls and huffing, wurfing exhales. "Sometimes I think I do too much of nothing." Azaylia answers, a bit self conscious at the truth. Scooting over, she makes more than enough room for her friend. "I knit to help me remember certain things, like when which tithes from where are due to come in. Or names." Brieli is far more interesting, placing the page back down onto the thin pile next to her. "How've you been? Out and about, seeing Pern?" Iesaryth is appalled, really. What is the world coming to. Watching the dragons with a little shake of her head, Brieli sits in the spot Azaylia's cleared, trying not to take up too much space - though she'll kick up her boots to stretch out her legs, cross them at the ankle. "I don't think I've ever seen you do nothing," she says quite sincerely. "Even when you say you're taking a break, you seem to be doing something. And how does knitting help? I make lists, calendars." That are somewhere in that pin-neat weyr of hers. Cautious, "I've been... all right. And yes, out and about more. Took a delivery today, and I've been over Fort way a few times." Likely not shocking, that. "How about you? She's in a good mood." Hraedhyth lifts her head and directs one of those deep, curt exhales towards Iesaryth, her tail dusting the bowl floor. Her playmates turn, all six eyes now on the glittering gold, wondering if it's worth trying to drag her into their game. The brawny gold's oversized jaws are even more on display in what could be a playfully threatening smile. "I sometimes... uhm." Azaylia stops, surprised by the observation that turns out to be truer than she first realized. "Some things just take little effort, so I guess they feel like I'm doing nothing." Like knitting. "It helps keep my hands busy with something familiar, so I can concentrate on things that aren't. I just remember better when I'm doing something else, other than staring at the page." Only slight concern that she hasn't explained well enough, she brings her knees up in order to rest her chin on them. "Oh? How's N'rov?" Said almost dismissively, too much so, if not for the grin she was trying to hide in her skirts. "We're fine. She's realized that the smaller dragons won't break as long as she's careful." More playing means happy Hraedhyth! They can all look at Iesaryth all they want. She's happy enough lying there in the sun and breezes, and watching them, and not getting dirty. Ew. Then there's bathing and everything, and just so much effort. She just got done flying! Even Brieli has to give her dragon a bit of a side-eye at all the melodrama, but she appears to be used to it, and none too bothered. "I suppose I can see that, but really. I think you need to be forced to go lie on a beach or something sometime, just to see if you like it. If you don't, never do it without knitting again." She grins - but even she's been seen to read now and then while supposedly at 'nothing'. Though concern knits her fine brows momentarily at the question, "He's fine. I do go to the Hold, and for other reasons, you know. And good. I've always found it interesting that she's so happy on the ground - but it is her land." Idle threats are just that, and with a commanding grunt the smaller dragons turn their attention back onto Hraedhyth. She's about to get up, do the two of them want that to happen? Azaylia can only look somewhat guilty about dragging a certain bronzerider into their conversation. "I know, but if I were you..." They've already discussed those curls, haven't they? "What other reasons?" To make up for her light teasing, interest genuine in other things. "I stopped by the traveling show myself, just to drop off a greenrider's son with his cousin." She quickly explains, "He couldn't take him because of sweeps." Hraedhyth has managed to get back up onto her paws, wings fanning out as she chases them with exaggerated motion. "She enjoys flying, too, but it's far more dangerous to play while in the air. She doesn't want to hurt anyone." Despite what some may think. The lazier gold might give an amused little whuff at Hraedhyth's command of her playmates, but she's not amused enough to join in, sadly. With a little smirk, Brieli notes dryly, "I don't think you're the only one." And though the other weyrling might always seem calm and cool, there just might be a little edge of jealousy there - who knew she was capable?! "Anyway. I had to ferry a few people down, myself. It's not too difficult to convince me, really - it's better than packages? But I still haven't done much at the show itself." With a little laugh, looking over to the dragons, "Well, she doesn't have to tackle them from the air, Azaylia. But I suppose tag isn't her thing." Azaylia is startled enough to have Hraedhyth's ashen head pulled in their direction, watching. "Brieli." She's almost frightened, maybe a little scolding. "You don't think I'd try anything with N'rov, do you?" Possibly misinterpreting that bit of jealousy that's so foreign in her friend's otherwise cool tone. The dark gold considers the two for a second longer before turning back, snapping at the air five or so feet above any actual blue hide. Rrr! "She would, though. I mean, she'd want to." So it's best if everyone stay on the nice, safe ground. "Oh!" Brieli is so surprised that she's pulled right out of whatever mood she might be brewing up, blinking over at Azaylia, dark eyes wide. "No. No. Never. No, I wouldn't think you'd... You're not that kind of person." For some reason, she flushes a touch at that, her cheeks going pink. Looking away, "No, it's just... I sort of mentioned it before. There's likely a few people interested. Why wouldn't they be." Unsurprisingly, that's not enthusiastic, not as much as Hraedhyth's snapping. "I suppose there's that, but I'd trust you to keep things under control. She listens." Now. "Ohgood." Azaylia breathes out, clearly relieved. "I won't lie and say he's not good looking." To be painfully honest, because things are already awkward. Might as well get everything out. "But I'd never. Ever. In a hundred Passes and Intervals. I- who?" Curiosity carries it's own blunt edge, eyes wide. "You did, yes, but I didn't want to upset you by being nosy. But..." Hands flutter up to motion at nothing and everything before arms lower back to holding her knees. Hraedhyth brings her head in and swipes her tongue along the 'knobs of one, threatening to do it to the other who's far more wary. Run away! "She listens, but it's more that she understands. I don't usually have to tell her much." Unless it's a very big deal to the queen. Almost mournfully - perhaps for the loss of things like 'emotional distance' and 'self-control', "Oh, I know. I can't stop--" But Brieli does, seeming more embarrassed for abortive confessions, drawing knees up so she can rest her chin on them, wrap long arms around bent legs. It's the closest to 'upset' or 'uncomfortable' she'll allow in public. Tilting her head to regard Azaylia for a moment, she purses her lips and admits, "It's long over, I don't know why it... It still bothers me. It was during Elaruth's flight." She toes the rock, watching her boots. "That goldrider Iolene was worried about. Ali. I think... there might have been something going on. Or maybe she was interested. I assumed there was, but." Apparently not? Her tone is reluctant, even a little deprecating, as if this should be beneath her. Last though, lightly, "Perhaps she should be trusted after all, then." Brieli may be spared the label of publicly uncomfortable, given that Azaylia is in much the same position. It might be written off as a 'weird goldrider thing'. There's even a matching tilt to the young woman's jaw as she listens to what's been bothering her friend. Elaruth's flight was some time ago, and her brows understandably lift at that fact. "You and Iolene, now?" Surprised, perhaps now wary- where there's smoke, there's fire. "N'rov is with you, though. You've asked him about it? You don't think he's doing anything..? Do you?" With each question, her back straightens and the grip on her legs tighten. "If you won't talk to him, I will." Despite the gentle, questioning lilt at the end, her words are uttered the same time Hraedhyth gives a low warning growl. It's not meant for the tiring blues, either. With a shrug, "Dancing doesn't mean anything, does it?" Brieli would normally be completely on Azaylia's side with that, so there might be something weird there, but: "Right after, yes. And no, I don't. And like I said already, it was a long time ago now. Ages. We're fine. I shouldn't have brought it up." It's all quick, brisk, one after the other. The growl makes her blink over towards the tawny gold - as does Iesaryth, who immediately backs up her rider. It's all good. "I was just... explaining, I guess. I don't... I wouldn't not talk to him. Can we talk about something else?" Please. "No..." Though it's her own point being made, with new information Azaylia may be a tad slow to agree. She's not completely relaxed just yet, "As long as you're sure everything's alright?" Hraedhyth's quiet, lingering rumble echoes this uncertainty. Iesaryth's reassurance is accepted, though that ashen head remains on the older rider. Don't blame her, Hraedhyth's just the echo chamber. "I suppose you just have to trust N'rov. If Ali is actually interested in him, he can't help how someone else feels." Not that she's lecturing, of course, Brieli has likely thought about it in depth. Something else? She can do that, "Have you met the Istan transfer?" Though Brieli's now making Azaylia's points, she's not up for arguing them with any seriousness - she doesn't comment on the speed of her friend's reply, just glancing her way for a moment before, "We're all right. I'm not used to... it." The shift of her gaze might indicate there's more to add, but nothing more comes forth - she just seems frustrated and angry with herself, pursing her lips. But she's grateful for the new subject, by the breath she lets out and the way her shoulders drop. Easier, "Yes. In the records room. He said you'd been by with a basket or something? That sounds very... like you." Said warmly, amused. Azaylia is patient where her friend is frustrated, legs stretching out in front of her to dangle off the boulder. Leaning back on her hands, she waits, a hint of something protective in her gaze as she watches Brieli. Hraedhyth has calmed, and with commanding nudges to blue rumps, she's ushering them off. Playtime's over. "Oh. Yes, I did. I think it'd be nice to formally welcome all the 'rider transfers from now on." Which, as Brieli says, is very like her. "And maybe a little monthly get together for any new apprentices to get to know each other..." Brainstorming out loud, she blinks at the topic at hand. "Did he seem, uhm, did he even like it? Or did he seem annoyed?" Perhaps glancing up to catch that protective glint, or maybe just knowing her friend and her dragon's inclinations, Brieli murmurs, almost too quiet to catch, maybe more prayer than plea; "Please don't talk to him." Because that's another level of horrifying she'd rather not contemplate. Not thinking about it lets her grin at Azaylia's thoughts, nodding a little as she notes, "I think those are good things. For you to handle. As long as your apprentice parties don't get out of hand." Teasing, she grins wider at the last, unable to help herself. "He seemed to like it, though thought that he made a poor impression. I assured him you likely thought the same." She even unfolds an arm to poke at the other girl's shoulder. Azaylia may have heard that quiet plea, and if she did there's no sign of it. Her expression remains even, soft, until Brieli has her giving an embarrassed smile. "There won't be alcohol or many riders at the meetings." Which are clearly the two elements which had caused whatever happened at her weyrwarming to happen. Ahem. "I'm glad. He's an... odd fellow." Not negative, just an honest observation. The poke to her shoulder earns a huff as she chews her lip at Brieli, "Maybe." Most certainly, she thought of her manners poor and her conversational skills even more so. "Very smart, though. And his dragon is an absolute gentleman." To think, the cooing woman is the same who was frightened by large dragons. "That would get you quite the reputation though, getting the apprentices drunk. And you, an apprentice once! The scandal!" Brieli looks fairly shocked, covering her mouth with her hand, dark brown eyes wide again - though she has to laugh after. "That's one way of putting it," she agrees, resettling so she's in less of a ball and more of an easy lean. "Apparently, he was invited to look at Fort's records - though I let him know that might be more of an issue now. But that could be interesting. Especially if they let him." Seeming less impressed, less so for Azaylia's cooing, "Yes, Iesaryth seems to like him quite a bit." Azaylia can only cover her face with both hands and groan, threatening to curl back up into her own shameball. "Oh... wherryfeathers." It's only the pain of her imagination, and once that has passed she's joining in with her own laughter. "Really?" Nearly startled out of her mirth, "I wonder if that was while he was still at Ista?" Her thoughts are similar to Brieli's, what with tension between the weyrs and all. Luckily for her friend, the cooing is short lived and instead she takes revenge on earlier imaginary pains. "Oh? She does? Does Vhaeryth have competition, then?" Even Hraedhyth is amused by this thought. An Ista-transfer-now-Reachian would still be preferable over an outsider; her smoke tickling at the senses in an obvious tease. More seriously, "Honestly, you do need a reputation of some kind as a weyrwoman, I'd think. My tragic romance can sub in for anything else in the meantime, but I don't think that it would be bad to be known as High Reaches' consummate hostess and party girl. Welcome baskets and big parties, it all fits." Brieli flashes a bright grin despite her tone, nodding afterward. "I believe that's when it was - it certainly wouldn't have been while he was here. I plan on finding out how that goes." Whether L'hai likes it or not, probably; she finds out what she wants to. And Azaylia might find all this funny, but she doesn't - at least, not funny enough to be joking about it. Loftily, "I would rather influence things to my liking the best I can. I'm good at it." So there. As for Iesaryth, she's not quite sure what Hraedhyth's problem still is, but both dragons are perfectly interesting to converse with. There's a gentle huff for talk of more serious things. Not that Azaylia minds work, no, it's just the sort the other junior is bringing up. "Can't I just be me?" Offered lightly, already knowing the answer but still needing to find a say in the matter. "I don't know if I'd like a reputation." Be it good or bad. She's not so somber as to keep her lips even, curled warmly for Brieli and her ambitions. "I'd like to hear how it goes, too. Maybe us three could have a meeting." All professional and goldridery like that. When her humor isn't matched, Azaylia will let the subject of competing bronzes go with a gentle sigh. The exhale may even sound apologetic, "I have no doubt in my mind that you won't be able to." Hraedhyth may still have a problem with a certain foreigner, but by now it's gone from a roaring inferno to a tiny, stubborn cinder. As gentle as that huff, "I was mostly joking. But there's a point there in that - if you don't decide how people see you, someone else will. We'll have reputations, like it or not." Brieli is resigned to that, not thrilled about it either, but at the same time - she's not going to fight it. But at Azaylia's suggestion of a meeting, she has to roll her eyes, for all that it does sound perfectly professional. "More meetings. Just what we need. We could just ask. And..." For that sigh, she'll look a little apologetic herself, just giving a little shrug. "I don't like to not have plans." And Iesaryth? Will take that. Much better. Azaylia reaches over for a gentle touch to Brieli's arm, "Oh, I know. I've just been thinking a lot." If the sign of that half-knitted thing next to her is any indication. "So when you say something, I just start... thinking about how it might effect the weyr, me, Hreadhyth." A soft laugh, "I do think I should start trying to do nothing." It might give her poor brain a rest. Hraedhyth is content emotionally, but physically there are itchy spots which have her hide jumping and twitching. She lumbers over and drops her head down to bluntly interrupt, nudging at Azaylia's head with the very tip of her muzzle. A more heartfelt laugh, "That's what you get for rolling in the dirt, silly." She has an apologetic smile for Brieli, "You two are welcome to join us, of course, but she needs a bath." Which means things need to be gathered. As the goldrider begins to collect her work, she glances at her friend with easy advice, "You know, it's impossible to plan for everything." Wryly, "I think we should both try to do more nothing. So we can stop thinking so much." Worrying. Being paranoid and lurky in one case, but never mind that. As Hraedhyth comes over for bathtime and Azaylia gathers her things, Brieli starts to swing her way down from the rock, shaking her head. "You two go ahead. We'll catch up with you later - there's likely something do be done at home." As for her last, she quirks a little smile, asking, "But can I fit everything into the plan?" With that for a farewell, she'll be off for Iesaryth, who's only mildly annoyed about being roused for the short hop back to their ledge. |
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