Logs:Dirt And Influence
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| RL Date: 1 December, 2013 |
| Who: D'kan, Kazavoth, Azaylia, Hraedhyth |
| Involves: High Reaches Weyr, Nabol Hold |
| Type: Log |
| What: D'kan and Azaylia decide to spend some time helping the Nabolese restore their farmland. Kazavoth, too! Hraedhyth... mostly supervises. Intensely. |
| Where: Nabol Fields, Nabol |
| When: Day 28, Month 5, Turn 33 (Interval 10) |
| Mentions: Barnabas/Mentions, Edeline/Mentions |
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| Nabol Fields
High Reaches' Weyrwoman does not ask of her people what she is not willing to give-- or at least that's one of the more diplomatic answers bouncing around the field. It certainly explains Azaylia's presence, although her enthusiasm for the dirty work has little to do with politics. Hraedhyth's size makes it difficult for her to actually help with anything other than the massive debris, of which there is only a few. She watches from afar, still close enough to unsettle plenty of holders with her intense gaze while her drums thunder in praise for the other dragons present. Kazavoth being one of them. It leads Azaylia to seek out his rider, shuffling towards D'kan with a bright smile and a basket held by a heavy arm. She's not looking much like a lady, let alone a goldrider, with clothes and boots caked with dirt. D'kan starts to laugh, then grips his side. "Not yet. Ask in another couple days?" he jokes, though lightly enough, it might not all be in jest. "Personally, I can't wait to find the hottest bath I can tonight, won't lie." He opens up his own bundle to produce a sandwich and a small, corked carafe. "It's really too bad there aren't more riders here. Despite how some of those," chin-nodding toward some of the Nabol natives, "view the dragons, I think it's doing some good for them to be elbow- and knee-deep in the much with riders and weyrfolk. We're all just people. They get to see it now. Maybe forget whatever they've been told before." He starts to take a bite, then stops. "For that matter, goes both ways." For all of her teasing, there's a sympathetic coo from Azaylia at D'kan's minor flinch, "I was thinking about flying up to the hotsprings, actually." She picks a redfruit from her basket and takes a massive bite that reveals just how much of an appetite she's worked up. She'll chew it down to something manageable before murmuring, "You could always use my bath, but once Bones is done with it..." Well. There's a reason she's got other plans. She pauses in mid-bite to aim a smile of encouragement, "Me too. I was just about to say..." Which of course, means she doesn't have to and can focus on lunch. Mostly. Curious as to what he means by the last, "Mm? Didn't you come from a Hold?" "I did," D'kan confirms with a white-toothed smile. "Just another reason it makes me happy to see riders working hand-in-hand with the holders. So many misconceptions going both ways. Maybe some can be put to rest after... all this," he states, sweeping a hand toward the ruined fields. He takes another bite of his sandwich and works on that while Kazavoth shifts behind them. His bulk is enough that he can shade them without trying, but not so great the holders run screaming. Then again, he also lacks Hraedhyth's... intensity. Announcing to the near vicinity, which luckily only includes D'kan and Azaylia at the moment, he comments with mild exasperation, « Everything here smells like dirt. And some smells worse than that. You turn over dirt, and you find more dirt. Unless you are very lucky, and you find something rotting instead. » Just for some light dinner conversation. The redfruit is gone, as is a sandwich, several pastries... so will Azaylia feast until she's emptied the basket. Even with her infamous appetite, it'll take time, and she's all too happy to chat with the brownrider. "Well, thankfully there are no dragonriders rolling passionately around in the dirt. And Kazavoth hasn't eaten anybody... have you?" She sounds so uncertain, outlandishly so. Shifting to cross her legs, she drags her lunch closer and pulls out a skin of water. "I wish there was a way we could just... fix it. All of it. But, this is a start." Her efforts to uncork the bag stop at Kazavoth's comment, "...You haven't eaten anyone, have you?" Even a rotting someone or something. Kazavoth's humming sound is of soft outrage, but going by D'kan's stupid grin, the brown is just putting on a show. "No worries, he ate yesterday. At the Weyr. Nothing gross, or holder-scarring." Kazavoth shifts again, but only so he can lay his head on the ground. Hauling farm equipment is tiring work. D'kan uncorks his carafe, but it's only milk. Good for washing down the sandwich, though, clearing the way for some more carbs, in the way of a second sandwich. "It's an important start, too," he agrees, "on quite a few levels. Once this part's done, well... maybe we can go on helping." Through a breathy laugh aimed at Kazavoth, "You're right. How dare I." Azaylia's smile fades slightly as she turns her attention back to D'kan, giving a gentle nod as her fingers manage to take hold and open her own drink. After a sip of water, "I know this isn't my last visit." There seems to be little pressure aimed at D'kan's continued volunteer work, though she speaks firmly of her own contributions. There's a pensive weight that has her gaze shifting to the side, lips drawn together in whatever thought has stolen her focus. And then suddenly, cheerfully, "I wish more dragons were as social as he is." He being the worn out brown, of course. D'kan leans back briefly to thump a fist lightly against the spotted brown hide. Kaz only shifts his head away slightly. "That's because you haven't been on the receiving line of a mother shrieking at the top of her lungs because he managed to scare some kid," D'kan says, tone just a little dry. "Though... he's gotten much better about that. Volume seemed to be the biggest issue." The brown huffs hard enough to kick up a small cloud of dirt. "Next time there's a candidate all curious about what it's like to have another voice in their head, though, just call us, and Kaz will be happy to oblige, I'm sure." « It is not my fault, » Kazavoth interjects on the tail end of D'kan's words. « Some humans are simply too stupid to stop and listen, that is all. » It's obvious that Azaylia has only considered the good aspects of talkative dragons, given her surprise when D'kan explains the bad. "Oh dear." Kazavoth's huff has her smiling again, though she tries to hide it behind a hunk of bread. Through a small mouthful, "I'll keep that in mind. Though I'm surprised you'd trust us enough to come if we called." She leaves that well enough alone, even as her smile takes on a crooked little curl. A surge of heat answers the brown's complaint, « That is why Ours are best. » Although, her lifemate is even better than best, but there's no need to go rubbing it in. "Still... it'd be nice to know what they were all thinking." Beyond asking through rider or draconic middlemen. "You've never given me any reason not to trust you," D'kan states between bites. He shrugs for some mild punctuation. Yes, perhaps it's better to leave it there. The last of that second sandwich is soon gone, washed down by more milk. All that's left at the bottom of the rider's bundle is a small chunk of hard cheese, which he nibbles in spurts. "I don't know... sometimes Kazavoth is a downright stream of consciousness in my head. And while I'm used to it, now, I think it might drive some people literally insane. I don't think we're really meant to know everything they think. Just like with us. There's probably a really good reason we can read our dragons' thoughts, but not other riders'. Catch someone in a weak moment, and..." Purely for illustration, he gestures to the fields they're trying to repair and replant. As Kaz so often does, he mentally sucks in the heat of Hraedhyth's voice, absorbing the energy, then expelling something entirely different. A haze envelops his own voice as the heat turns mountain air to steam. « Sadly, we are surrounded by others, » as an image of the distrusting holdfolk accompanies his words. The haze is cleared by a gust of crisp wind. « Though it does us good to learn how to use them. » Azaylia gives a light cough, either hiding a laugh or dislodging a crumb, "I'm glad." The Weyrwoman has finally begun to slow down, closing her 'skin to set it back into the basket. With a satisfied grunt, she falls gently onto her back and pats at her somewhat distended belly. "Oof." She has little care for getting more dirt on her clothes and hair, closing her eyes as she agrees, "He's right for you, and you're right for him." As for the rest, there's a flicker of a frown that's banished quickly enough, "Good point. I... sometimes I forget what people are really like." Not only her heat, but Hraedhyth is willing to be absorbed, drawn in by Kazavoth's voice and her own curiosity. « Use them. » Not-a-question that still demands explanation. D'kan has finally made his way through the last of that cheese, and sets to work brushing crumbs off the towel he'd used before it gets neatly folded and set aside, shipshape. "It's only been a couple Turns, but I'm already forgetting what it was like to be a Holder," he shares in a musing sort of way. "Kaz and I interact with them quite often, maybe a little more than most, but it's not the same as... this." He opens his hands wide and studies the dirt creases and the callouses new and old. "This is more like... community. Not everyone will see it, but maybe enough will." As for that not-a-question, what a good one it is! « Oooh, yes, » Kazavoth almost purrs, streaks of glittery bright stars illuminating his thoughts. « Everyone, everything has a purpose. To be used. As I am used. And even as you, my dear, are used, » he informs Hraedhyth, suddenly excited to talk about something as delicious as power. « The key is to know how, and when. » "I know how that feels." Azaylia murmurs, enjoying the satisfied weight of a full stomach. "Eight turns at the Weyr, five with Hreadhyth... I don't know when I stopped, but it was before I Impressed." She folds her hands just beneath her ribs and wriggles deeper into the soil in order to get comfortable. There is no way she could get even more filthy, so why worry? The Weyrwoman is quiet long enough that she may have fallen asleep, except that her eyes are opening to aim a curious stare at D'kan. Gently, "It really bothers you, doesn't it? The Holds and the Weyr... the people. Not getting along." Kazavoth's pleased rumble has Hraedhyth's flames snapcrackling in piqued interest, drums rolling as she awaits his explanation. « I am used. » Another not-question that sounds very much like a sooty scoff. Still, « And how does one know how, and when? How could they, » The puny, fearful humans, « be of any use? » D'kan shifts slightly, face screwing up to squint at the sky while he delays answering Azaylia for a few long seconds. "I guess it does," he finally says, though, glancing over at her, then briefly away. "It just... seems so stupid now. Now that I've lived in both places, I mean. There's no reason for it. Just a whole lot of bad communication, and personalities in positions where they shouldn't be. Seems like, anyway." Kazavoth is too busy conversing with Hraedhyth to pay them much mind, though he has lifted his head by now to peer over in the gold's direction, and his wings have lifted from his back just slightly. For balance. Plus, they're pretty. One of his best features, see? « Do you not use your rider already? » he asks, though it's his own not-a-question. « Bathing, oiling, food that is less boring. As for the rest... as with the humans, there are those of us who are more... capable. » The last word is sent with a wash of lava, steaming across a field of sooty snow. « And does your rider not use you for transport? » A beat of frozen silence. « For influence? » There is an undertone to the question. A shadow. With a curious little smile, "Do you think I'm where I shouldn't be?" Azaylia's airy voice takes on a serious note, despite her curled lips, "It's all right if you do. I was just wondering... I'm Weyrwoman, whether people think I'm right for the it or not." Even from afar, Hraedhyth can admire Kazavoth's wings-- though she won't allow them to distract her from this very important conversation. Her flames feast on these new ideas offered up to her by the brown, dark smoke curling thoughtfully above her intense examination. « We work as one. She bathes me for our comfort. I wish to fly wherever she goes. Is this use? » The queen sounds dubious, but not willing to dismiss Kazavoth just yet. In fact, her drums rumble with a hunter's intrigue, chasing down that shadow, « Influence. » D'kan gives Azaylia an oddly guarded look that quickly dissolves into a wide grin. "See, you don't dance around with words. Say one thing and mean another. I like that. And I think you're where you should be. Not just because you're blunt," he adds, dark eyes twinkling slightly. "People shouldn't have to wonder where they stand with their leaders. And leaders shouldn't have to pretend to be things they're not." He pushes himself to his feet, still crouching, then holds out a hand while the Nabolese start to get ready to return to work. Kazavoth, however, seems reluctant, and it shows in the dulling of his mindvoice, if temporarily. « Influence, » he echoes, quietly in cadence with Hraedhyth's drums. « We show these others we are strong. We are in control. We are... as our riders need us to be. » The brown begins to stir, carefully drawing to his own four paws before beginning a slow-motion, complicated serious of back stretches. "Oh no. No, no, no." Azaylia adds breezily, "There's enough of that already. You should speak with Lady Edeline sometime." Judging by how wide her smile has become-- no he should not. Spurned on by D'kan's encouragement, there's some guilt as she admits, "Even if it wouldn't have changed anything... I'm happy that you think so." The Weyrwoman's gaze finds his offered hand, her own calloused palm gripping his as she stands. "Thank you. I'd like to talk more, but it's probably better if we focus on helping the holders instead of other weyrfolks." As some of the more exclusive riders are. Hraedhyth may not have to get back to work, but there is the shared sensation of flexing muscles-- the gold's own wings stretching wide. Kazavoth will be able to feel the urge to help as well, though she's doing her part by not sending the holders into a panic. « Mmm. We are strong. » The queen agrees, though the sentiment is so much more; at least in this, she understands. Kazavoth shares an image with Hraedhyth and the two riders. It's merely a suggestion, really. The sun is hot, but their wings are large and produce such a lovely breeze. Which might just teasingly morph into one or two of the smaller Nabolese blowing away. It is quite likely this is squashed by D'kan, however, because the image blips out of existence without a word. See? They've gotten better. Sort of. There is a groan, then a look toward Azaylia at least partly apologetic. "I agree. Let us help them." With a sidelong look at Kaz. "However they may need it." Emphasis on "need"? The brownrider nods his head toward the nearest group of farmers and begins to walk in their direction. "We'll probably finish this whole field today, at least. Though we could do more if..." « I will not plow, » seethes the brown, going so far as to show his own rider his fangs. Just a little bit. Azaylia is choking back a laugh, even though her brows are pinched up in subtle horror at the brown's suggestion. "Kazavoth." She scolds, though it's probably not terribly convincing. The Weyrwoman gathers up her basket and lets it hang from the crook of her arm as she walks part of the way with D'kan. "You think? That's a good goal to hav--" The outrage of D'kan's lifemate startles her into another laugh, hand pressing to her lips as she tries to regain her composure. It all comes tumbling down as Hraedhyth adds, « I think you would make a handsome burdenbeast. » With eyes watering, Azaylia has to take a moment to bend at the waist in a fit of giggles. She'll eventually recover, but for her own safety and for the sake of productivity, the Weyrwoman will join a group of holders-- leaving D'kan and Kazavoth to not-plow. |
Comments
K'del (K'del (talk)) left a comment on Mon, 02 Dec 2013 05:44:30 GMT.
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This was great. Here's to plain talking! XD
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