Logs:Listening and Watching
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| RL Date: 6 July, 2012 |
| Who: Brieli, K'del |
| Involves: High Reaches Weyr |
| Type: Log |
| What: A cold evening finds Brieli and K'del talking politics and people in the Snowasis. |
| Where: Snowasis, High Reaches Weyr |
| When: Day 1, Month 3, Turn 29 (Interval 10) |
| Mentions: Azaylia/Mentions, Iolene/Mentions, Lujayn/Mentions, Braeden/Mentions, Tiriana/Mentions |
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| Snowasis, High Reaches Weyr The Snowasis is rarely quiet, and even then, the high-ceilinged former weyr is kept from echoing by the fantastical booths tucked into its convoluted perimeter. The secluded seating spaces have been shaped from the truncated stalagmites that escaped the smoothing of the main floor, and are both softened and separated by colorful hangings that are thick and opaque enough to make each corner its own private nook. Some of the smaller stalactites still roam the ceiling, their jagged teeth tracing a bumpy, inverted spine to the hearth. There, a thick rug with a low klah table and comfortable armchairs and couches sit, their upholstery and cushions changed sporadically to match the season: bright, light colors in the summer, fresh greens and yellows in the spring, warm autumnals in fall, and clear, rich hues for winter. Small tables litter the rest of the cavern, enough to fit up to four people each, while stools stand along the smooth wooden bar behind which is the passthrough window to the kitchen. Glass-paneled cabinetry behind the bar provides a clear view of the available liquors, the many colors reflecting the soft light of glows tucked into strategic niches around the cavern. It's a decent night and the weather isn't bad, so people have no issue venturing out to the Snowasis for the evening, especially right after dinner; it's lively and busy with conversation, card games and general sociability. Even weyrlings can be found out these nights, with less sleep lost and the more regular routine becoming a way of life - Brieli is a tall, dark and silent figure sitting at the bar with her red knit hat still on, covering her shorn hair, pressing it to her cheeks. She doesn't seem to be paying attention to much around her as she toys with her glass - wouldn't notice if she were a topic of conversation, for example - but her sharp gaze might indicate she's listening, if one can catch it. K'del has not been a regular visitor to the Snowasis these last few weeks, and weyr scuttlebutt would say that he's been spending a lot of his time with Iolene - unsurprisingly - and a rather more surprising amount of time at High Reaches Hold with young Lord Braeden. Tonight, though, he's been in the Snowasis for a few hours, mingling with one group after another rather as though he's working the room. Those with listening ears might have caught snippets of conversation, and though most of it has been low-level, there's definitely been a few veiled hints at something to do with Crom, with High Reaches Hold, with something big. Now, the young Weyrleader disentangles himself from a group of Snowdrift riders, and meanders towards the bar with an empty beer glass. The primary thing that Brieli and her lifemate have in common - perhaps what drew them to one another - is their constant interest in the world, their attention. It's possible Iesaryth is along for the ride as the weyrling hears the conversations drift - some indeed about the Weyrleader's subjects - but some about the Weyrleader himself, and Iolene's condition in general, and whatever else they can gossip about, really. Finishing the last of the amber liquid left in her glass - looks like rum - she glances over her shoulder as if she can feel K'del approaching, and turns back to the bartender, hesitating only a moment before signalling for another. Brieli's signal catches the bartender's attention before K'del can make it to the bar himself, and leaves the Weyrleader needing to wait. Maybe that's not a problem, though, because he's already turning his thoughtful gaze onto the weyrling he's drawn up alongside, making no bones about his study of her. "Been awful quiet up here," he remarks, the first indication that he's noted her before now; an indication, too, that it could be he's been keeping half an eye on her. "Most people come up here to meet with people, socialise. Not you." Still, his tone is pleasant, even conversational, and the lazy smile that accompanies it as he swings into the empty seat next to hers is far from confrontational. Never bothered by direct regard - it's difficult to pretend not to notice it this close up - Brieli's dark gaze follows the bartender for the time being as he pours out her glass. "Do they tell the servers to be a little light-handed on the drinks for us?" she asks, out of nowhere. "I've been wondering. In case one of us goes overboard. And I come in here with Azaylia, when she's not playing delivery service." Leaning on the bar, looking over to K'del as he sits, she seems unsurprised that she might be observed. Who isn't watching them? Easily, "You're not socializing either. You're managing. Listening. Being social is part of that, but not the whole." K'del's, "Mmm," could well be confirmation for her conclusion as to his activities, but K'del's not making an outright, unreserved agreement. "And is that what you're trying to do, too? Sitting here, while Azaylia is, clearly, otherwise occupied." As the bartender returns with Brieli's drink, K'del interrupts his line of conversation to slide his empty glass across the bar as silent indication that he, too, wants a refill. Before glancing back at the weyrling, he adds, "You know, I suspect they probably do tell the servers that, yes. Never thought about it before, but it'd make some sense." Brieli doesn't seem to need a confirmation; she's either confident in her analysis or she's taking the sound K'del makes as confirmation enough. Wryly, "It's a little too cold to find some time alone outdoors. And I don't have much to manage." Taking up her drink, holding it up to eye the glass critically, the level in it, she looks briefly vindicated, though not overly annoyed. After a sip, "So it is, for now. Is Iolene well? I... haven't wanted to bother her, but I do want to see her." A pause. Smooth tones even, "The last I saw her, she didn't look well." "At least you'll be getting weyrs sooner rather than later," remarks K'del, seeming to avoid answering the question about Iolene. "Just in time for the weather to start warming up, probably. Go figure." HIs new beer is slid across the bar towards him, and he wraps his fingers around it, feeling the heft of the glass, almost as though he finds that comforting, before he goes on. "She's-- she could probably use a friend. Friends. She's taking it hard." His own expression has clouded: he may not be saying it outright, but it's obvious that she's not the only one. "I thought maybe she might want to join your classes with Lujayn. Something to distract her. I expect they'll begin soon, if they haven't already?" "Will we. That will be nice. They're all getting big, and I can't say I wouldn't mind the privacy. Honestly, we won't need to fly to ours; we could move tomorrow." Brieli has a flash of a grin for that idea, setting her glass down so as not to go drinking too fast. With a sidelong glance to the Weyrleader as she rests her chin in hand, "Perhaps I should have visited despite her 'not seeing anyone'. I know from-- From family that it's difficult. That it's good to be out, to try to be yourself again." Expression briefly conflicted at K'del's obvious distress, she moves on quickly; "I was actually talking about that a week or so ago. It's as good a time as any - now that she's gone, there's no reason Io should go around minimizing what she is." With a wrinkle of her nose, "It bothers me." K'del's got a quick flash of a smile for Brieli's remark about weyrs, but it would be difficult for him not to be distracted by other, more serious, topics right about now. His low breath is a long one, exhaled over the top of his beer, and before he remarks on anything the weyrling has said, he takes a careful sip of it, turning the glass by the handle between his hands. "It's easy to wallow," he agrees, carefully. "Were you? That's good. She was talking about it-- before. I think she'd hoped that it would happen immediately, but honestly, I hadn't realised. She'd always said she didn't want to be a Weyrwoman." K'del's expression suggests he finds his lack of realisation on this subject a personal failure, though he's quick to try and hide it. "In any case, it bothers me, too. Really, it may even be the best time." Also, "It's her turnday in a seven or so. Maybe I'll try and take her away for a few days." Brieli is the queen of bringing the conversation down - K'del must have missed the memo? She'll have another drink to fortify herself to continue. Careful as well, "I'm sure she needed time - I just didn't have very much time before, and she looked so tired..." Clearly, she's not feeling responsible, but she'd like to help. With a slight smile, she looks over to the bronzerider, noting, "Maybe she doesn't feel she wants the title, but I think everyone wants to be useful. I think not being a weyrwoman is a philosophical distinction for Io. I don't think she likes what it means. I could be wrong, but... I get that impression. Anyway - I think it is a better time - easier, perhaps. Unless she feels... held back." Shrugging - who can tell - "Is it? Thank you for mentioning. And away would be nice, I imagine." "Maybe," agrees K'del; it could be answering a few different things. Maybe it's answering all of them. "I think-- yes. Iolene's upbringing means she finds a lot of things we take for granted strange. It's hard." For him? For her? For everyone, maybe. He sets his glass back down upon the top of the bar, and drums his fingers idly on the wood. "She's probably ready to see more people again. There's only so much of me she can take, even if I'm trying hard not to hover. She's-- it's--" He breaks off, and changes tack almost immediately. "Day 12. She'd probably appreciate people acknowledging it - she'll be twenty. I was always planning... it's harder now. But getting away will be nice. Yes." "Strange. Wrong." Brieli will put that out there, though not heavily - just easily, just that she knows. And it doesn't sound like she totally disagrees, either. "Sometimes a different perspective can be enlightening. Useful. If we let it." There's a glance around the bar at large at that, lingering here and there. Setting her half-empty glass down to turn it around with long fingers, she tells K'del reassuringly, "I'll be sure to go see her. And figure out something for her turnday - I'm sure Azaylia would want to know as well." With a brief smile, the weyrling suggests, "Have a party another time, maybe." That answer draws a pause from K'del, who regards Brieli in a studying way all over again, as if gauging where her reaction comes from, and what it might mean. "Mm," he agrees, which could be taken as approval or disapproval; it's hard to tell. "Good. A party sounds like a good idea. Know she'd appreciate that." He's already said that, but if he's aware that he's repeating himself, it doesn't show in his expression. Instead, he busies himself wiping condensation off of his glass. "It's important to see other perspectives. But it's also important to... not all change is necessarily for the better. And if something doesn't work, something big, then it's difficult. Just have to be a bit cautious, I guess." Shrugging in a 'what?' sort of way - as if she's not aware of what she's just said - Brieli turns the glass again, leaving rings on the bartop. K'del's reaction might raise fine brows a touch, but she's just taking it all in. "See what we can do," she murmurs, watching him watch the dew off the beer glass. Tilting her head slightly, she nods, admitting, "That's true. Every action has ramifications, sometimes sooner... sometimes later. It's difficult to know what will cause problems, or see all possible problems that could crop up down the line. Cautious is wise." With a slow smile, "I think Iesaryth thinks too much so sometimes." Ocean's roar rises in the background from its constant, soothing rhythm - Iesaryth is amused, slightly alarmed. « I wouldn't say that NOW, Shan... » (Iesaryth to Brieli) "Cautious is something this weyr hasn't always been good at," admits K'del. "But it's something we can be better at, now." Without Tiriana, presumably, but the unlamented goldrider's name doesn't pass his lips. "Sometimes, it's impossible to know, and sometimes we miss obvious things. Guess I should've known the exiles, for example, would irrevocably change things in a lot of ways, but there's no way I could've foreseen how." All of that rambling musing keeps him from remarking on that mention of Iesaryth, at least initially, but as he sweeps in to reclaim his glass, he turns his gaze back upon the goldrider. Quietly; "How so? Iesaryth, I mean." "Mm." It's Brieli's turn for cryptic sounds, as she looks down into her drink, decides to finish it. To be certain no more come her way, she neatly turns the glass over. "Better is always an admirable goal," she says, tone easy. "And there are certain things that are impossible to tell. Every actor can't be known, every action... well." She shakes her head, offering another little shrug to K'del, a deprecating little smile - what does she know? With a blink, she gives another shake of her head, waving off Iesaryth's opinions. "Sometimes, with certain things. And she thinks she's smart enough for... anything. Nothing major." K'del doesn't seem bothered by Iesaryth's nature; his nod is a considered one, but it's accompanied by a smile. "Good," he says. "If she's half as smart as she believes she is, she'll be an asset to High Reaches. Can't really believe that she isn't, though I suppose we'll see. Do you think she's as smart as she believes she is?" He doesn't seem to intend to answer the rest of what she's said, though he nodded strategically throughout her words. Now, he turns back to his beer, sipping at it in a thoughtful way that precludes further remarks in the immediate sense. It's a struggle of sorts for the goldrider - she doesn't seem to want to bore anyone with dragon-talk, but at the same time, he's asking... It makes Brieli consider her answer for a time, placing her hand firmly atop her empty glass; no, two - two is the cutoff. "She's terrifyingly intelligent. She picks up on things quickly, and thinks that knowledge is immediately applied knowledge. She hasn't had much contradict that opinion yet. In some ways, I think she's smarter than she think she is, and I'm thankful she's not entirely aware." Tapping her palm atop the glass, considering K'del for a moment, she tells him eventually, "Sometimes she just finds answers for things I've been wondering about, and I'm not sure how. It's a little frightening." From the way K'del sits, as she speaks, and from his expression, there can be no question that he is listening intently - that he is taking in every word she says and mulling it over in his own mind. "That sounds overwhelming," he admits, at the end of her explanation. His tone is not-- not sympathetic, not as such, but there's a measure of something in it that could almost be, though it's probably more acknowledgement in actuality. "But useful. So different from Hraedhyth. More like Ysavaeth, maybe, but she's more--" K'del doesn't seem to know how to actually describe Ysavaeth, and something in his expression, now, suggests he almost doesn't completely trust that particular queen, somehow. "Does she listen to you? When she needs to." There's something about that intensity of attention that makes Brieli shift in her seat, perhaps uncomfortable with sharing. Turing the glass on the bar, now upside down, she arches fine brows, surprised to hear it described that way. "Really?" she asks K'del, curious as she looks down the bar towards him. "I don't find it so overwhelming... it's annoying sometimes when she won't stop worrying at something, but it helps me." It's another of those points that the weyrling won't elaborate on. Quirking a smile for Ysavaeth, "She's something else. So lovely to Iesaryth, even though she's not her dam." The goldrider admires the other queen, at least, by her tone. Giving a 'eh' gesture, "She does, but she already knows it's better to ask forgiveness than permission." "No? Good." K'del's not so set on his conclusion of it that he can't easily accept that Brieli finds it different, though there's a wrinkle of his brow that suggests he might be overwhelmed by it. "Well, in any case, I'm glad to know it's helpful to you." Of Ysavaeth, he'll make no further remark, but that doesn't mean his expression is completely even: it's pretty obvious he's not sold on her being really lovely. "Smart cookie. As long as she doesn't do anything to harm herself, at least. No doubt she'll drive Meara and the others half mad, though." The rest of his beer is drained, then; he uses the back of his hand to wipe his stubbled upper lip, then sets the glass back down again. With a little laugh, "It's really not that bad. She's... She's what I needed. Isn't that what people usually say, and then apologize for not making sense?" Brieli seems amused, noting, "She seems to like Cadejoth. Not as much as Hraedhyth or-- others, but she's only close to a few right now." If she's noticed K'del's dubiousness about the Exile Queen, she won't remark on it, just adds, "She sings them all to sleep. Still. And oh - I'll make sure Iesaryth doesn't hurt herself." She last is said quickly, not quite guiltily, but there's a thread there. Ruefully, "She's mostly been driving me half-mad, so far." A pause. "Are you all right? I imagine not so much personally, but - are other things reasonable?" She seems a bit concerned. "That's what they say," confirms K'del. "Though I don't know what it says about me that I needed Cadejoth. That I took myself too seriously?" True. "That I needed to learn to let go and relax, and not worry about everything?" Also true. "She's young. She'll expand her circles as she gets older, I suspect. He's terribly curious about them all, but he worries about hurting them, I think." If he has picked up on that thread of guilt, he's not going to comment on it, it seems, because instead he's letting out a long, low breath. "I'm okay." Beat. "Thanks. Things could be worse. There are... complications, and somehow we're in the middle of them, but it's going to be fine. Lord Braeden and I are coming to an understanding; sometimes it takes a while. His father seemed simpler, sometimes." Diplomatic, "There's always something that balances out, it seems. Like with Azaylia." If Brieli thinks that's a successful pairing, she might be one of the few - but then, she seems them every day. As for Cadejoth, she grins over at K'del to point out, "They're fairly big now, and flying besides. I think he's safe." Still playing with the empty glass with a thunk on the wood, she considers all that thoughtfully before, "I feel like there will always be complications. Nothing of this complexity can run smoothly. And I suppose younger men will be more difficult; when someone's set in their ways, you know what to expect." "Azaylia and Hraedhyth, who would have guessed," grins K'del, though it's not clear what his opinion of their success as a pairing really is. "Oh, probably. He's just cautious. Afraid of riling them up by accident, or freaking people out, or... it's sweet, really." He plays with his lower lip with his teeth, rolling the skin back and forth before answering the rest; his thoughtfulness is obvious. "Right. New leaders want to put their mark on things, young ones in particular. Guess-- well, the Holds probably aren't sure how to deal with us at the moment, either, without-- Lujayn's a known face, but not necessarily a known quantity, and since I'm on my way out." He shrugs. "I like her." Brieli is unequivocal about that statement, nodding for emphasis. It's not all that common an opinion, likely. With a flash of a grin, "It is a little sweet. But a little paranoid at the same time. Does he do better with them when they're older?" Glancing from empty glass to K'del and back again, she finally relinquishes it to the bartender, settling back into her lean. "Too much change can set people off balance. I suppose there's been a lot of it of late." Quiet for a moment, she seems to hesitate before, "I wouldn't blame anyone for not believing you're actually on the way out, either." K'del's admission is a quiet one, amused. "I do, too. She's a dragon after Cadejoth's heart, I think. Yes - much better when they're older. He'll probably start dropping in on them out of the blue, soon, just to get to know them and say hello. They're part of his Weyr, and... that means something to him." He ought to relinquish his glass, too, but he doesn't: his fingers twine through the handle, twisting it this way and that as he considers Brieli and continues. "There has. And-- maybe not. Not sure I can see any way around it, though. Cadejoth won't chase anyone but Ysavaeth, not as long as he's still her mate. So it's just a matter of time, really, before I'm handing it all over to someone else." A little more quietly, "She's a little crazy sometimes, but I'm starting to think they all are." Perhaps Hraedhyth is a bit 'crazier' than most, but she's still got Brieli's approval. Nodding, shifting to fold arms across the top of the bar, "Well, it won't be too long now, I think. And they'll probably like it - Iesaryth too, but I know it means more to the others." A touch wistful for a moment, the expression passes and she shakes her head again. Curious - and not judgmental, but clearly interested - "Are you certain? I mean, I know nothing about this, I'm just trying to understand. One day they'll chase any dragon, and the next - no? Not that I'm saying... you know what I mean?" She draws her brows together, trying to form a question out of the mess. "Things can just change like that?" K'del opens his mouth as though he intends to say something in the wake of that wistful look, but Brieli's question distracts him. Perhaps it wasn't the right time, anyway. "They can." It's such a simple answer, and for a moment it may seem as though he's going to leave it at that. "Cadejoth would've been loyal to Iovniath, too, if she'd respected him. He's always taken his role as Weyrleader very seriously. He'd never have even looked at Ysavaeth," Or Isyath, "if things had been different with Iovniath. And even then, he didn't chase often - a couple times a turn, if that. Ysavaeth... they sleep on the same ledge, most nights, all curled up. There's affection there. It's not that they ever have relationships the way we do, maybe, but that doesn't mean they won't continue to see each other as 'mate', for now." Seeming somewhat relieved that it isn't left so simply, Brieli listens to K'del, dark eyes narrowing, gaze thoughtful. Tugging her hat to place it more securely on her head, "I think I see. It's like - anyone would be, might be, really. And the way we are with each other - riders - does seem to affect things. Not completely, but..." Looking up to K'del, "I'm sorry that the timing is not ideal. Or that things weren't different. But I suppose it's the way of things; I just hope it's the way of things that Rielsath rises first." Another wry smile before she straightens, sighing. "I should likely get back to the barracks." K'del seems somehow relieved by Brieli's confirmation of what he says, and gives her a tight-lined smile of gratitude. Brow furrowing, "That's - yes. It's just the way it is. I hope Rielsath rises first, too. I'd hate to throw you, or Azaylia, into that position. From experience, I know how unfair it can be." It troubles him, too, for all that he's aiming to look reassuring and to add, "Not that I don't think you could do it, of course. I - of course, yes. You'll pass on my regards to the others? And look after yourself." Simply, "I don't think I couldn't do it. I just don't want to." Brieli isn't bothered by K'del looking troubled, for all that maybe she should be. Sliding from the barstool, picking up her coat and shrugging it on, "I will. Say hello to Iolene, and try to have a good evening, Weyrleader?" She offers a quick smile before turning to head out for the bowl, still thoughtful over the conversation, even as she pulls on mittens and steps out into the night. "I know." K'del twists his mouth again, but says nothing else; a nod confirms her request, and then he'll watch her go, still fiddling with the edge of his long emptied glass. |
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