Logs:Guarding the Goldriders?
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| RL Date: 28 August, 2013 |
| Who: Aishani, Alida, Iesaryth, Ilicaeth |
| Involves: High Reaches Weyr |
| Type: Log |
| What: Alida is convinced it's a bad time to surprise Aishani, but plans to protect and train the goldriders are discussed. |
| Where: Records Room, High Reaches Weyr |
| When: Day 23, Month 8, Turn 32 (Interval 10) |
| Mentions: Hattie/Mentions, Azaylia/Mentions, Ali/Mentions, Z'ian/Mentions, Taikrin/Mentions |
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| The request for Iesaryth's attention comes from a sunbathing Ilicaeth, the blue's dune of golden sand shifting upon the gold's shoreline, building into a small tower or sandcastle. « Alida's in the records room. Aishani got a few moments ta meet with 'er? » Iesaryth has the sense of far-off skies and a slightly warmer climate once she's roused from her deepwater doze. She's sunny enough for the sandy blue though, with a bubbly seafoam spray. « We are not there yet, but will be soon. It is past dinner. » Not that dinner means much for her. It might take a little time for Aishani to arrive, but she does, briskly and still dressed in leathers, her dark sharp gaze scanning the room. As they return to the Weyr, and after Iesaryth finishes, Ilicaeth rumbles an easy « Good. And, by the way, what I say next is between the three uv us, only. » Iesaryth, the blue, and Alida. « Alida is gonna give yers a test. It's *only* that. Nobody's gonna get harmed, but it's gonna be realistic... So don't panic, okay? » This is a test of the emergency broadcast system. When Aishani arrives...her sharp eyes don't find the bluie there, her distinctive pale head and person apparently not in attendence. If the goldie thinks to inquire of Iesaryth, well, let's hope the queen can remain silent, or come up with some excuse. Immediately alarmed, Iesaryth tells Ilicaeth with no little gravity, « Whatever she's planning, tell her to stop. Someone will get harmed. » And by her alarm, it may not be her rider. « She is even less in the mood for tests or games than usual. » The water has gone cold, the winds are still. Aishani pauses just inside the door as she sees the place near-empty and empty of Alida, hand at the belt knife on her hip. Softly and primly, the queen adds, « I do not hide things from my rider. » Does the blue? « So, she's on guard then... » Ilicaeth inquries of Iesaryth, the blue then chuffing his assent in passing the message on. After a moment of some static, there's a return of the sandcastle, and a mellow, « Very well. Perhaps another way...but she won't go fer the surprise bit. » How can he sound both serious and casual in the same mental breath? As for hiding things, « Once in awhile, there's some things better not spoken uv. » Pragmatic. And finally, from within the secondary room beyond the hanging, Alida pads in on quiet feet, her lips quirked into a humorless hint of a half-smile, greens peering into Aishani's dark gaze. "At least yer aware." Something about the inquiry amuses Iesaryth, but the queen settles for a simple: « Yes. » There's a flash of metal against stone, a blade kept sharp, the sense of observation, from both dragon and rider. The water and winds begin to warm again as all is well, and she agrees, « Surprise is not good, not now. » Once the bluerider has ducked in, Aishani relaxes a touch, but only enough to take her hand from the blade and take her back from the door. Her expression is faintly sour as she watches Alida, offering by way of answer, "I just came from Fort, I visited Hattie. Her feet..." She trails off, shakes her head. "I am always aware." Ilicaeth can appreciate that stone on metal flash, his own blade glinting steely-blue for a moment, the sound of clashing, the scent of honing oil touching his baritone reply. « Maybe another day... though her vigilence is excellent. » There's some pride for the gold's rider. Sour Aishani face meets with another, though slightly softer smirk which soon fades when word of Hattie's feet touch the air, Alida leaning one hip into a nearby stone table, and murmuring, "I caught it on the grapevine. Been thinkin' about in-Weyr safety after that ballsy move at Boll. Don' want *my* goldriders grabbed fer whatever reasons." Beat. "It'd be a terrible embarrassment." Smirk. Iesaryth is uncertain when a good day will be, but is pleased with pride for her rider. She's rather proud of her rider too, nine times out of ten. Aishani settles against the wall rather than a table, where she won't have to watch her back, even here. Folding her arms, "It would be difficult to miss the broad strokes, I suppose. It's..." She purses her lips, almost sneers with derision. "A particular sort of person who'd think they could get away with this. And our Weyrwoman has already been murdered once; if it happens again, it certainly won't be forgotten." She can only manage a grim sort of humor. "Your wing was responsible for security for previous clutches, but given the ties to the Hold, I doubt that will continue. What thoughts did you have?" Is it hubris that allows Alida to remain with her back open, hip-shot to the table? Aishani's words of 'particular sort' give the bluerider a moment to think, word of Iolene making her nods judiciously. "Goldies certainly've been on the menu the last few Turns..." is noted darkly, the blonde grating lower teeth to upper lip a few times. "Fuck the Wing shit... you 'n Azaylia should pick out the *individuals* here ya' trust the most - those with competency, too - 'n assign 'em ta look out fer not only the clutches, but yerselves as well. Sure as shit wouldn' hurt ta step up patrols on the Holds, crafts. Mebee put some snooping noses inta' other places so we c'n watch 'n listen from the inside." Maybe it's the fact that there's not a pattern of murders and attacks on blueriders, like Alida points out. Aishani is thoughtful, considering Alida's words as she speaks, the way she stands. "It's an issue. And that might be something. I might say, if we were to pick people, perhaps no one else should be aware of who those people are. It might be easy to guess with some, but others..." Maybe not. There's a nod for the thought of information gathering, though she asks, "What about a situation like these renegade riders that were at Boll? Any thoughts on handling them? The usual... eyes and ears might not work." "Would be an idea... but - if ya post riders t'gether in the Galleries 'n Grounds - they'd know uv' each others' identities. *Need* ta, ta' be able ta' cooridinate well." At this point, the blonde starts moving around some, her eyes shifting about from habit to keep track of things. "When 'n where possible, keep the guards' identities secret from one another...rotate them as randomly as possible so there's nothing habitual ta take advantage uv." Nod. "I know you 'n Zay 'r both in shape, and at least you seem ta' have some decent cards on the table when it comes ta' self-defense... but some intensive lessons ta freshen things up, maybe learn more sure as shit couldn't hurt. Develop plans, too with the both uv ya' on how ta handle certain situations..." She in a near flow-of-consciousness by now, but the bluie's paying enough attention to Aishani to notes her question, the guard's lips pursing slightly in deeper thought. "The way they disappear from the views of two queens suggests more 'n simple hiding in a place...or Isyath 'n Elaruth'd be able ta find them, sooner 'r later." A look to the junior for conformation or not presages a low, "If we could *somehow* find a few renegades..." snert "...inflitrate someone from the outside inta' their group. Ya know...lots uv talk over some time uv the plant bein' unhappy with life at the Weyr, yadda-yadda... then get them in there 'n feedin' us info." Again, the blonde's moving again, as if this facilitates better thinking on her part. "Ya think the *Crafts*'d wanna get more involved, after one uv' their members appears ta have been snuffed." Slowly, "I'm not sure about Azaylia, it might be an idea to ask her. Planning might not be the worst idea, particularly if there's a situation where we're both required to be somewhere, like at Boll. Better to avoid that from now on, if possible." Aishani tucks a wayward glossy curl behind one ear, considering Alida for a moment before, "Maybe that's something you and Jo might be able to work on with me. I imagine if the plans are presented to the leadership, there might not be many changes to be made. We have different... skill sets, and I'd rather women make the plans than men." After all, it's women who'll need to use them. As for the rest, the goldrider notes, "I'm not sure they look to the queens, somehow. And that... would be a dangerous mission. I'd rather eliminate them, frankly." Not concerned about offending Alida, apparently. "I'm not sure it's all related, the Harper." "I'll chat 'er up soon..." Alida notes crisply, filing that task away in her mental rolodex. "Plans 'r the first battle casualty, but I'd rather be in a situation with a variety uv 'em than with none. Keeps a mind clearer, more focused 'n organized." A cheeky bit of a grin follows her statement, then a definite nod to the goldie's words of not putting all their 'ranking eggs' in one basket. "Just gotta' be more...cognizent uv where we're puttin' our feet 'n heads." Word of bringing Jo in on potential 'work' brings a knowing, darkly humored, yet also quite entusiastic nod from the blonde. "Like ya said, I think it'd be good ta' keep most - if not all - uv' this particular plan amongst women... maybe our Headwomen, too. United front 'n all, plus not allowin' any uv our critical Staff ta be less than up ta snuff." Pace. "Women have different centers uv gravity, sometimes different approachs ta violence than men. A females only tack'd also allow us ta fully concentrate on gender specifics uv combat without the boys gettin' their undies twisted." Snerk. A peer is suddenly offered to 'Shani's words of looking to queens. "Pass that by me again..." She was a bit distracted. Word of danger and death, however, earn the weyrwoman a laconic little grin, a shake of braided head. "*If* I c'n avoid havin' ta kill in such a dangerous circumstance, I'll try ta take that route. But if it means puttin' my own in deeper jeopardy..." She knows her duty, even if the thought of dragon deaths isn't pleasant at all. "Ya think not?" is inquired with some curiosity about said Harper. With a nod, "A prepared mind is an calm one. If you anticipate a situation, there's less of a likelihood of panic." Aishani considers Alida's argument with a thoughtful squint, allowing, "There are some good points -- and all good reasons to keep the planning amongst ourselves. But I don't think the Weyrleader or the Wingleaders will be behind not having a few men around to protect the ladies." There's a little eye roll. "The point should be to make this livable. No one should have to spend their lives under armed guard. It's not... pleasant." She shudders a touch, before explaining, "I believe the dragons with the renegades must be some how separated from the Fortian queens. So they don't feel their influence as strongly. And the next person that lays hands on me will not live to regret it, unfortunately." That's grim, but without hesitation. "The Harper at Nabol, yes? Unless there was one at Boll too?" "Exactly. Helps a bunch uv people ta act in unison, too," Alida agrees with Aishani. As for Z'ian and the Wingleaders, well, the bluie's expression turns a little calculating, the blonde finally allowing, "We should inform them, yes. Dunno about just any ol' guy around, though. Maybe the more progressive ones, that truly understand a properly trained woman can do more than hold 'er own. But *if* they get stupid, backwards on us... Right out they go. They *gotta* know exactly where the line is, an' why it's being drawn." It sounds like she speaks from experience. A flick if eyes for the other woman's reaction trails into a clipped, "Yeah...no continual, intrusive bodyguards. That only fosters a seige mentality, amongst other, more unappealin' things." Nose-wrinkle. "Seperated by *time*, maybe? I've heard from a few that communications far enough away from the present 'r kinda' only echo-y. Could dilute a queen's influence." The guard gives a little, internal start at Shani's lattermost words, a wryly sheepish expression drifting over her features for a moment. "Yeah, yer right. Thanks fer correctin' me; been puzzlin' over both things enough ta start gettin' them a little mixed up." Eyeroll. Nodding slowly, quirking a slight smile at the definitive way the bluerider speaks on these sorts of matters, Aishani seems to likewise have gears turning behind sharp dark eyes. "I don't know that we have another rider that would be more well-qualified to organize such a... hm. Group of people." Not a force or a garrison, nothing so military. "Taikrin and Jo and some of the others in your wing might be able to tell you what worked, what didn't. We had people outside our weyrs after Iolene; it was understandable, but unpleasant." The idea of time travel has the goldrider straightening off the wall, looking at the blonde seriously. "Really. I'll have to look into some of the records... it's a possibility. And it's nothing." She waves the last off, distracted. "There's enough insanity to get anyone confused." To Alida, her own apparent sureity is simply a by-product of experience, and nothing much to note. "Taikrin 'n Jo've got more Weyr experience than me...and they're both more social." Smirkie. "But right now, Taikrin's not necessarily seen in such a positive light by some riders." Shrug. "I'll talk with both uv' 'em, with both yer an' Azaylia's allowance...*after* I speak with Zay, uv' course." Grin. A nod for the other's words of special guards needed at that time of crisis soon alters into a vaguely surprised look for how Aishani reacts to Alida's nest statement, the blonde adding on, "Figured enough people'd figure that one out. I mean, I figured timin' it's kinda common knowledge in a Weyr, if only ta stop weyrlings from doin' it foolishly, 'n 'riders too much." Smirk. Wryly, "If you want to call it social..." Aishani has a little smirk that says she's not talking about conversation when it comes to the other riders. "I meant more in terms of guarding. I believe most of the other people suited to guarding don't have a lot of formal experience? Just a guess." Maybe less of one with Taikrin, with Jo... with the goldrider herself. "But yes, do see what Azaylia says. I'd think the plan as is would make the most sense, but..." A little shrug. It's not ultimately up to her. As for timing, fine brows arched, "Everyone knows about it, not every one knows everything about it. I haven't met anyone yet that knows how to do it, or that's admitted it." She gives Alida a curious look. "Okay; how about 'less willin' ta turn around and walk away'?" Alida allows around a small grin in reply to Aishani. "Jo's got no formal background, yeah. Taikrin...she might have. Only heard talk, nothin' from 'er mouth." That fact will soon hopefully be corrected. And then it's the blonde's turn to look thoughtful about what the weyrwoman says about timing it, her pale head bobbing with thoughtful curiosity, though her eyes chuckle a little with their green glint. "I've, ahh...shared a few drinks with a couple folks that've dared it a few times over the Turns. Toyed with the idea a time 'r two myself, so I wanted some words uv wisdom." If (or before) Shani can speak on the subject again, Alida's patting that air before her once, then noting dryly, "Never got up the guts ta' do it." Not *yet*, anyway. Seeming a bit relieved with the reassurances, Aishani nods slowly before, "Interesting. Might be best if it's kept that way... but it's something I might pass on. If someone's not thought of it at Fort, but they may have." If there's enough pairs that have done it; if there's people that might think to make the connection. Tilting her head to the side, considering Alida, she allows a slight smile as she asks, "Let me know what the others say? And if you happen to think of a few people you'd trust to do the job, I wouldn't mind hearing it. I ought to get dinner, I was held up at Fort." Again, if you want to call it that... "Don't tell me yer concerned about lil' ol *me*?" Alida grins impishly at Aishani's slightly relieved appearance, the blonde then nodding to the other's words of offering such ideas to Fort. "Will do, oh second-in-command." It's not a barb, merely a Guard-ish hint of a vaguely smart-assed response. "I'll mull some potential names over. Gimme a sevenday 'r so ta nose around." And, for her farewell to the goldrider, Alida notes casually, "Yer first bit uv a lesson: if ya kick a guy in the stones ta stop 'im, make sure ta do it three times. There's some out there who c'n nearly deal with even two kicks. Three stops 'em all, though." Fingerwiggle, grin. Have a good day! "It's part of the job to be concerned with all of our riders," Aishani says smoothly, clearly not worried about anyone in particular. With the trace of a smirk, she scans the room before pushing off the wall fully and starting for the bowl -- then stopping with a short, sharp laugh. "That, I hadn't heard before. I'll keep it in mind, pass it along." Giving Alida a lazy little salute and a mirror of that grin, she heads out, though the former guard might notice the goldrider toss a rock from her pocket out of the exit before she'll proceed. Just in case assassins are listening, not watching. |
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