Logs:Of Plans Made and Not Made
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| RL Date: 12 November, 2006 |
| Who: Bayan, Dassah, Maja, R'hin, Shanlee, Wilf |
| Involves: High Reaches Weyr |
| Type: Log |
| When: Day 26, Month 10, Turn 9 (Interval 10) |
| R'hin takes the shadowing-a-rider thing very seriously, and very literally - he has you both up before dawn to join him in his morning run around the lake. After a quick bath, it's breakfast with the Weyrwoman to discuss various matters of the day, which are largely boring and menial but still necessary. After that, it's a series of meetings with Wingleaders and other riders - it seems to be his 'open door' time. Then, it's time to lead Glacier in a series of wing drills - in which R'hin will require you to fly with him, and it's not an easy thing even when you're a mere passenger - it's a lot of quick movements and being pulled this-way-and-that, and some seemingly spectacular near misses by the dragons. Then it's lunch, but this too, is a work lunch - a meeting with a delegate of Holders from some of the outlying areas outlining a few issues they have. His afternoon, he would tell you, is ordinarily taken up going over a variety of reports, however for the purposes of showing you what a 'normal' dragonrider does, he opts to fly sweeps with Bristia and green Saindyth. Your location's current time: 21:00 on day 26, month 10, Turn 59, of the Tenth Pass. It is a autumn evening. » Leiventh disappears into Between. Between You gasp as the icy black nothingness of Between surrounds you! You hear nothing, see nothing, and feel nothing. The trip takes five heartbeats... Black... Blacker... Blackest! You suddenly emerge... High over the High Reaches area As you soar above the High Reaches range, the snow capped peaks seem to envelope you, spreading out to the north and east; the Western Mountain range spreads out to the southeast, adding to the effect. Off to the west, the coast of Pern stretches out, passing High Reaches Hold, and the Tillek peninsula, near the large harbor of the SeaCraft Hall; the sparkle of the blue-green waters merges with the blue sky on the horizon. The caldera that serves as the bowl for High Reaches Weyr can just be made out, the seven spindles seeming to almost merge into one. The clearings that must be Crom Hold and the MineCraft hall can be seen far across the mountains to the northeast, while the apple orchards of Nabol can barely be discerned to the southeast. Obvious exits: Forest near Lewis Hold High Reaches Hold Mine Craft Hall Sea Craft Hall Tillek Hold Nabol Hold High Reaches Weyr Upper Sky » Leiventh emerges from Between with a blast of cold air! The mid-afternoon autumn air, usually warmish, is chilly this high up, as Saindyth and Leiventh emerge from between over yet another area of the High Reaches mountains. Even with leathers borrowed from the stores, the several jumps between are enough to cast a chill to the bone after a day already long. As he often seems to do when he's not in 'official' mode, R'hin encourages the green take the lead, the bronze content to be her shadow. The Weyrleader glances over his shoulder to examine his passengers with a cool, evaluative look. While Bayan is definitely no stranger to being adragonback, al the traveling that's involved in sweeps -which includes jumps Between- has paled his complection slightly. The former itinerant has been gracious enough to keep silent throughout this ordeal, hazel eyes seeking out everything other than the two he accompanies on the big bronze. With his expression heavily guarded and of stone, he returns the Weyrleader's cool look in the end before shifting his focus ahead to Wilf, then outwards. Wilf having not been totally prepared for the cold of between, is sitting behind R'hin teeth chattering, slightly bewildered at the suddenness of going between, and the nothingness that comes with it. Then suddenly shadowing the green dragon, Wilf is slightly in shock and is staring straight ahead not noticing much around him. This is only the second time Wilf has been on a dragon. It's a fairly monotonous job, indeed, and after the long day it might be hard to keep one's attention on the task at hand: which seems to be studying the land below. Saindyth's high croon, and the low rumble of Leiventh's response is felt underneath, as the dragons break off from their circling pattern, and the green's rider makes some sort of gesture. Frowning, R'hin half leans, before turning to yell at his passengers over the wind, "You two see anything?" he seems to mean the ground, "Bristia's saying she caught a glimpse of something." And, indeed, sharp eyes might find a break in the pattern, an odd black shape out of place of the natural flow of the land. Bayan, looking below with a small frown as he leans downward, only manages to catch sight of the something R'hin was asking about. His head draws up sharply, "Yeah, something there," he calls briskly, holding tightly to the mount with one hand as he points. He looks over at the green and her rider then, perhaps expecting them to go closer to check it out as he returns to a straightforward position. Having recovered some of his composure, his legs still holding tightly and his hands wrapped around the straps so that the whites of his knuckles are showing. Wilf leans ever so slightly, following R'hin's yelled query, to see if he can see anything unusual, but to him all of this is unusual, seeing the ground from this height. He sees Bayan pointing at something, and not wanting to release his grip, just nods in agreement. R'hin half turns to look where Bayan points with a purse of lips, expression inscrutable beneath his flight goggles. It would seem there's some silent communication between the dragons, because, in concert, they bank and begin circling downwards, closer towards the thing that has garnered their rider's attentions. As the dragons descend, the marking resolves itself into a crudely made fire, the blackened remains the notable change in the landscape. Saindyth, first, then Leiventh land on either side of the makeshift site, the bronze's landing a bit harder in order to avoid expansive wingsails brushing the nearby treetops. Turning towards the forests, you glide down toward the vicinity of Lewis Hold. Forest N.W. of Lewis Hold From a clearing on the edge of the Reaches River, running East to West, is a forested area to the south where the growth is thick. On the horizon to the west, if it is a clear day, the northwestern coast of the continent may be seen. Once in the forest, trees, some old and tall, some not, surround you -- a mixture of oak and pine along with several other hard and softwoods. Between them, running several directions through the undergrowth, animal trails are obvious, tho one can't see a great distance. Every so often the trees give way to much younger growth and sometimes even small grassy places where a dragon could swoop in and land. Looking closely, if one is experienced in such things, rub marks may be seen on some of the trees, low to the ground where a wild porcine had an itch. Other areas reveal ruts where porcine were forging for the roots and other edibles in the forest floor. Obvious exits: Sky When the dragons drop down in unison, Bayan is quick to grab ahold lest one sharp turn banks him off. He misses the Weyrleader's glance his way before that as his eyes stay trained on the ground below, seeming to attempt to read the lands to know where it is that they were. It's brief that his eyes light on Wilf, and the former itinerant looks about to say something, but nothing comes forth when Leiventh makes his landing. It's the makeshift site that has his attention, hazel eyes narrowing a bit at it before belatedly sliding a guarded glance in R'hin's direction if anyone catches it. Wilf tightens his grip if that is at all possible as the two dragons, start descending towards, Ah he can see it now the blackened area they are heading for, as Leiventh comes down for the landing, bump, Wilf feels as if every bone in his body has been shaken. Wilf relaxes his grip as the dragons land, and he chances a glance at Bayan a thin smile on his face, terror or happiness at being back on the ground? R'hin pulls off goggles and helmet, studying the campsite area and the surroundings with equal intensity, making no move just yet to seek the ground. He's oblivious to either Bayan's guarded look or Wilf's relief. Leiventh, as ever, is still beneath them, statuesque by preference rather than any overt attempt at stealth. The Weyrleader's jaw tightens all of a sudden, and he glances at the pair of candidates. "Down," he murmurs, gesturing towards the ground, preemptory. A mere glance across the clearing, and Saindyth is aloft in a heartbeat, circling upwards to keep a watchful eye above the campsite. Bayan isn't one to miss the stirrings of something possibly wrong, so it's intense in the way he watches R'hin -noting the way he's scanning the area and the look that sends the green aloft. Even the murmured command to dismount has him raising a brow to him, belatedly returning Wilf's thin smile as he actually takes the the time to consider the ground he's being ordered to dismount. It's only just a pause before he nimbly slides down Leiventh's back. With the silence of the area comes a very low mutter, wry at most as his feet hits the ground, "And so the plot thickens." Wilf is quick to follow that instruction, "yes sir" and he is sliding down Leiventh's side. As Wilf's feet hit the ground his normal, sure of himself attitude quickly returns, "who do you think has been staying here sir," he waves his hands around the burnt area and the make shift campsite. He watches as Saindyth takes off again and begins circling above. He chuckles at Bayan's comment on plots, but is keeping an eye open for anything, that may suddenly appear out of the forest. Wilf vaults down Leiventh's side to the ground, using his straps as handholds. Wilf has left. Bayan vaults down Leiventh's side to the ground, using his straps as handholds. Bayan has left. You hop down Leiventh's side to the ground, using his foreleg as a step. Forest N.W. of Lewis Hold From a clearing on the edge of the Reaches River, running East to West, is a forested area to the south where the growth is thick. On the horizon to the west, if it is a clear day, the northwestern coast of the continent may be seen. Once in the forest, trees, some old and tall, some not, surround you -- a mixture of oak and pine along with several other hard and softwoods. Between them, running several directions through the undergrowth, animal trails are obvious, tho one can't see a great distance. Every so often the trees give way to much younger growth and sometimes even small grassy places where a dragon could swoop in and land. Looking closely, if one is experienced in such things, rub marks may be seen on some of the trees, low to the ground where a wild porcine had an itch. Other areas reveal ruts where porcine were forging for the roots and other edibles in the forest floor. Contents: Bayan(#8387PJce) Wilf Leiventh Obvious exits: Sky With an expert twist of the straps, R'hin releases the buckles holding him in place, sliding to the ground after the pair of candidates. "That, Wilf, is the question," the Weyrleader murmurs as he tucks the helmet under his arm. His caution, if anything, seems more an old habit than any danger of immediate threat: especially given Leiventh's watchful, lingering presence. "And hopefully, we shall find an answer. If you would indulge me, candidates, take a careful look around. Don't stray further than the clearing." Bayan steps towards the site, already giving it the skilled scrutiny of his turns spent travelling the lands. He seems to have not heard Wilf's question, his cool and calm demeanor with the situation is a contrast to the Weyrleader's caution. "Probably some holdless folk," he drawls after R'hin gives the order to look around, his slow steps taking him around the site in a loose circle. "Maybe someone on the move, only looking for shelter for a night. Not uncommon," he adds, and despite the non-chalance of his tone, he's still giving the area closer inspection as he paces by. The look sent R'hin's way is one of bemusement, saying nothing more for the moment. Wilf is not as cautious as maybe he should be given the Weyrleader's own cautiousness, and casually glances around. "Sir," is all the answer he gives, and walks slowly towards where it looks like someone had a cooking fire. "This could be what started it sir," he says nonchalantly kicking at the remains with his boot. "A burning ember blown by the wind into some dry kindling and....you have this," again waving his hand around the clearing. Looking very smug at his own brilliance, Wilf nods as if to confirm his own theory. He glances over at Bayan, "holdless folk, probably but they can control where they start fires." he gives Bayan a stare, that belies the annoyance he feels at how careless some folk are. "Perhaps," is R'hin's brief response to Bayan's suggestion as he moves closer, pale eyes flickering over everything. Wilf's comment earns a slightly puzzled look, thoughtful. The campsite itself seems at first a fairly crude affair. A log has been dragged over as a makeshift seat, close to the fire. A few crude utensils can be found nearby, either abandoned or forgotten. All in all, it seems like a camp that has been occupied for short time. A very sloppy attempt at concealing the distinct burn marks of the fire has been made, with a couple of handfuls of dirt piled on top, hardly enough to prevent discovery. "I've ....seen worse," is Bayan's flippant response to Wilf, and it's brief that the Bitran gets an intrigued look right after it. "Perhaps those in the Bitran lands are more tidy." Whether the words were meant as a jest or not is hard to tell as the something up ahead catches the former itinerant's attention. Taking a few quick steps off to the side and peering closely at the ground, "Trackmarks," he drawls, a faint smirk appearing for only a moment as he rubs a finger across his chin. Hie eyes follow the trackmarks to an area to the left of him, and he steps this way to crouch down. A hand going to the displaced dirt by a hole in the ground, "Something was here," he adds with continued calmness. "Bounty, perhaps? Or the stash of these said inhabitants," though his tone has a hint of skepticism. Wilf goes down on his haunches and picks up a twig lying nearby, he scratches away the sand that covers the fire remains, he puts out a hand to feel for any remaining heat. "R'hin, sir this fire is still warm, whoever was here is possibly still nearby," he throws a furtive look at the forest trees. Wilf looks up at Bayan as he makes the flippant remark about Bitra, "Maybe," is all he says. Bayan's next remark gets Wilf's attention, tracks, bounty or a stash of some kind, will always interest him, he notes Bayan's skeptical tone and chooses to ignore it. Something in Bayan's words earn a sharp turn of R'hin's head, probably missed as the Igenite's attention is drawn by something. Wilf is given a careful, evaluative look, before brows flicker upwards. The slight tip of head he gives upwards is an affectation, as a silent message is passed and Saindyth begins a circling sweep out from the center point of the campsite. "If someone's nearby, Bristia will spot them. She's got a sharp eye." The candidate's interest in the hole in the ground draws the Weyrleader's attention, the 'Reachian's eyes narrowing a moment in speculation. "Dig it up," he says, with a nod to the hole. Something in his expression is expectant. Getting to his feet, Bayan turns in time to note the Weyrleader's careful look in the other candidate's direction. He looks back to the hole, a small smirk playing at the corners of his lips as he drawls wryly, "Looking to plunder further?" as he notes that expectant look. Not expecting an answer though, he just shakes his head and steps over to pick up one of the crude utensils lying about. Crouching back to the hole at an angle to he can see both candidate and Weyrleader, the former itinerant begins to dig. Wilf watches as R'hin gives a silent command to the green above and immediately they start a wider search circle. Wilf nods at R'hin's words sure that the dragon's keen sense of sight would spot them if there was anyone to spot. A slight smirk crosses Wilf's face as the Weyrleader orders Bayan to dig up whatever it is he believes is buried in the hole. He knows the former itinerant doesn't much like menial labour, and watches with a pleased grin as Bayan looks around for something to dig with, seeing what crude utensil he picks up, Wilf settles on his haunches a little more comfortably, and under his breath quirks, "is this going to take long." Wordlessly, R'hin simply shakes his head at Bayan's query, pale eyes watching closely. It doesn't take long for the Bayan's tool to hit something solid, and a bit of clearing of the dirt seems to reveal a small cache of supplies. Some items of clothing, blankets, some foodstuffs that keep a bit longer. Amongst them are small sacks of flour and grain, stamped with the all-too-familiar High Reaches Weyr's symbol. There's a faint, knowing exhale of breath from R'hin, who doesn't seem the least bit surprised by the discovery. His gaze flickers up, though Saindyth is no longer visible above the treeline. Turning sharply away, the Weyrleader moves towards the log, settling himself down on it. Brusquely, he says, "Well. You might as well ask me whatever questions you'd like on the exciting life of a rider, while we wait." A hint of dry sarcasm infuses the words. "You've both been fairly quiet today." Bayan flicks a glance at Wilf and his more comfortable position, the pleased grin getting a return warning glance. "This better be something worth-" and the tool hits solid, his clearing away revealing nothing more but common supplies. Perhaps he's disappointed, but he tosses the tool to the side and straightens, the Weyr symbol only getting a openly casual glance since shock doesn't register on the Weyrleader's face. When R'hin sits, speaking of questions and the two being quiet, the former rogue folds his arms across his chest as he faces them both. "Exciting, hm?" he drawls in a guarded tone. "Perhaps Wilf has some." Beat. "You don't seem too surprised by this little cache found. Are we on a hunt for a thief?" The question is pointed, hazel eyes settling on R'hin moreso Wilf, and not asking about anything else for the moment. Wilf is normally a reserved type, so doesn't talk all that much anyway, until he gets to know the person he is talking to a little better, and this after all is the Weyrleader. "Sir," Wilf asks a little hesitantly, "is this the typical type of things that riders do when there is no thread to fight, I mean ride sweeps and look for possible thieves?" He watches as Bayan folds his arms, and makes his statement, not wanting to be out done, by him Wilf stands as well but doesn't fold his arms. "Yes I do have some questions Bayan, not all of us have been and done -what- you have," he grins at Bayan and waves a hand towards him as if in dismissal. Turning his attention back to R'hin, "sir, your day is probably filled with meetings and such, being the Weyrleader and all, but what do the other riders do?" A low, humorous grin splits R'hin's features at Bayan's drawl. "I've shown you the monotonous side of the job, because I don't want you to be fooled by the Harper's tales. A dragonrider's life is not fully of glory - not in an interval. What we do is bide our time until the next Pass, when Thread falls again. We continue the species, and in the meantime, we do what we have always done. It is not a job, for those without strength of resolve, to continue despite all that lies against us over the next two hundred Turns." A twitch of brows follows. "On a hunt? No." He pauses, as if thinking. "Cover the supplies up again, if you would? This was an accidental find. And, in fact, this -is- what normal riders do. During fall we fly sweeps to keep an eye out for burrows, and other concerns. It's less useful in an interval, of course. A normal rider does what we did this morning - drills. But not, one hopes, forever. I wish you to Stand under no illusions, gentleman." His hands spread wide. With a baring of teeth, "You need not worry whether I believe in harper tales," Bayan drawls with that surly touch of bold arrogance. "I was well aware of the lack of glory even -before- this educational venture." Beat. "You've left out the frequency of bedding dragonmen do," he adds wryly, eyes taking in Wilf and not answering any of the jibes sent his way. "After all, it -is- the Interval. What all I've seen of 'bidding time' is flying and bedding." He shrugs to that, going over to cover up the supplies as he regards the Weyrleader's words. At the end, "M'wen showed us the memorial," he puts in, openly looking skeptical about the find being accidental. Wilf nods his head, at R'hins explanation, "So if a rider were to perhaps, entertain, other ideas if would be frowned upon by yourself, and the rest of the leadership?" Wilf enquires a thought forming. "Sir i don't believe any of us are Standing under any illusions, just wondering how the Holds will take to us not fighting Thread for two hundred turns and them stillhaving to tithe to the Weyr?" Wilf's interest is now really peaked at the 'Bedding' comment coming from Bayan, this is perhaps more up his path. He watches with a grin as Bayan goes back to cover up the find. He nods in agreement, "Yes I have been to the memorial too." R'hin's hands clap together, eyes glittering. "And yet, here you are, Bayan of Igen. Do you seek to obtain a dragon, that you might bed many women? A foolish notion indeed. If that is what you think we do, you should not stand." He is dismissive, shoulders shifting. "I asked him, to show the candidates the memorial. To give -you- the chance he and I did not, by seeing what you risk in becoming a dragonrider." He nods to Wilf, the look careful, interested. "I would not be adverse to such ideas. The future consumes me. But others do not always think of such things. The dangers in the next generation are far more insidious than who beds who. They are the dangers of boredom. Of pride. They are about the future of the Weyr. And -nothing- is more important than that. Not your lives. Not mine. So." He stands, abruptly, "You cannot act the wronged party. You cannot say I didn't warn you of what is. Should either of you heed my words and choose not to stand, it would not be a poor choice." "I need no dragon to claim what I want," is Bayan's brisk response to the Weyrleader, hazel eyes narrowing. "You are welcome to play the guessing game as to why I even agreed to all this, if you really have the free time to." His hands slide into his pockets then, a clear sign of forced calm. "I did understand the reason for showing the memorial before the hatching, and many there were shaken to say the least." When R'hin talks of boredom and pride, the former itinerant looks his way thoughtfully, oddly silent. As to the last words, he glances to Wilf, then away. Wilf is a bit confused at the dismissive/abruptness of R'hin's answer to Bayan, Wilf nods at the Weyrleaders answer to him, "so ideas of other duties is not going to go against your future plans for the weyr," Wilf states. Interesting to say the least, he hasn't been around the weyr very long but knows that the leadership changed to R'hin just before his arrival, and R'hin seemed to want only what was best for the weyr and dragonfolk in general. "Sir my decision to Stand will remain as it is." when saying this he is looking directly at R'hin, and doesn't even give Bayan a glance. Wilf decides not to comment on the bedding issue as this seems to be what the Weyrleader is now so uptight about. "I do not need to know your reasons, but I -do- need to know that you are aware of all the reasons -not- to, as much as your own reasons -to- stand." R'hin says. Pale eyes are on the Igenite, and he gives a slow nod at the thoughtful look, as if content. "As you will, Wilf. Think of the future, then, that may become your future. Should you Impress, then come and speak to me, and we will talk further, of duties and plans." Saindyth sweeps back over the clearing, hovering above it with a gust of wind that sweeps the dirt around the campsite. "They found no trace," the bronzerider reports, with a twist of lips. A pause, eyes distant, and the green gives a trumpeting call, echoed by a rumbled response from Leiventh, before flickering between. "Bristia will continue her sweeps. I think we, however, are done for the day." He picks his way past the fire, towards Leiventh, pulling helmet and goggles on, climbing aboard with alacrity and waiting for the candidates to follow in kind. You clamber up onto Leiventh's back, using his straps as handholds. Wilf climbs up onto Leiventh's back, using his straps as handholds. Wilf has arrived. Bayan hops up onto Leiventh's back, as the dragon warbles a greeting. Bayan has arrived. Wilf nods at the Weyrleader, "Yes, if I impress I will certainly come and see you." With that he follows as the others walk towards Leiventh and mount the large bronze. Once the candidates are settled and R'hin has assured himself of their safety, Leiventh pushes aloft almost immediately, the movement sharp and unexpected, gaining only a small amount of height before he flickers between. You spring powerfully into the air. High over the High Reaches area As you soar above the High Reaches range, the snow capped peaks seem to envelope you, spreading out to the north and east; the Western Mountain range spreads out to the southeast, adding to the effect. Off to the west, the coast of Pern stretches out, passing High Reaches Hold, and the Tillek peninsula, near the large harbor of the SeaCraft Hall; the sparkle of the blue-green waters merges with the blue sky on the horizon. The caldera that serves as the bowl for High Reaches Weyr can just be made out, the seven spindles seeming to almost merge into one. The clearings that must be Crom Hold and the MineCraft hall can be seen far across the mountains to the northeast, while the apple orchards of Nabol can barely be discerned to the southeast. Obvious exits: Forest near Lewis Hold High Reaches Hold Mine Craft Hall Sea Craft Hall Tillek Hold Nabol Hold High Reaches Weyr Upper Sky » Leiventh disappears into Between. Between You gasp as the icy black nothingness of Between surrounds you! You hear nothing, see nothing, and feel nothing. The trip takes five heartbeats... Black... Blacker... Blackest! You suddenly emerge... Sky Over Tillek Hold From this vantage point, Tillek looks small, like a model laid out below you. The terraced farms, like broad steps, stretch away from the Hold, and the terraced road, and flanking ramps, wind away from it like thin ribbons. The smell of the sea is unmistakeable here, carried to you on an updraft. Obvious exits: Sky over High Reaches Area » Leiventh emerges from Between with a blast of cold air! It is not the familiar spires of the Weyr that greets the grouping as Leiventh emerges from the cold of between, but the terraced farms of Tillek Hold. The bronze bugles a greeting to the Hold's watchdragon, sweeping towards the courtyard with a flaring of outstretched wings. You wing down to land at the Courtyard. Tillek Hold, Courtyard(#300RJM$) The Tillek Hold courtyard is a broad plaza of grey stone, but its atmosphere is far from cold and unfriendly. Hold staff and residents cross the cobbles on business of their own, while others may choose to sit on the stone benches along the walls. Several small tables are grouped about a beautifully made fountain that burbles quietly in the southeast corner of the yard and offers sun or shade as preferred. High iron gates stand open to the north and admit the passage of traders, residents and visitors alike. Through them you can see the outer courtyard as it slopes away to the road beyond. (+view and 'places' available) To the south, stand the entrance doors to the hold. In warmer weather they are often propped open, but the thick and sturdy design keeps out even the coldest of sea breezes when the temperature drops. A door to the west leads to the kitchen, the top half being currently open. The northeast corner of the courtyard is occupied by a large, neatly kept stable. You see a small sign on the north wall, near the gate. (use +view sign to read it). Contents: Shanlee Vesereth Brisket Fountain Stables Obvious exits: Gates Hold » Dassah clambers down Vesereth's side to the ground, using his straps as handholds. » Leiventh's low, rumbled greeting to Vesereth is casual, as if unsurprised to see his clutchmate here, of all places. Atop, R'hin is accompanied by two passengers, and the Weyrleader nods towards the ground in indication to dismount. When Leiventh pulls them from Between, Bayan does not see the spires of the Reaches that he expects. Suspicion being the immediate, he peers around Wilf to look at the Weyrleader before being the first to dismount. Bayan jumps down Leiventh's side to the ground, as the dragon warbles a greeting. Bayan has left. You clamber down Leiventh's side to the ground, the dragon's sparkling eyes watching closely. Tillek Hold, Courtyard(#300RJM$) The Tillek Hold courtyard is a broad plaza of grey stone, but its atmosphere is far from cold and unfriendly. Hold staff and residents cross the cobbles on business of their own, while others may choose to sit on the stone benches along the walls. Several small tables are grouped about a beautifully made fountain that burbles quietly in the southeast corner of the yard and offers sun or shade as preferred. High iron gates stand open to the north and admit the passage of traders, residents and visitors alike. Through them you can see the outer courtyard as it slopes away to the road beyond. (+view and 'places' available) To the south, stand the entrance doors to the hold. In warmer weather they are often propped open, but the thick and sturdy design keeps out even the coldest of sea breezes when the temperature drops. A door to the west leads to the kitchen, the top half being currently open. The northeast corner of the courtyard is occupied by a large, neatly kept stable. You see a small sign on the north wall, near the gate. (use +view sign to read it). Contents: Bayan(#8387PJce) Shanlee Dassah Leiventh Vesereth Brisket Fountain Stables Obvious exits: Gates Hold Wilf jumps down Leiventh's side to the ground, using his foreleg as a step. Wilf has arrived. Maja heads across the courtyard, and through the gates. Maja has left. Shanlee heads across the courtyard, and through the gates. Shanlee has left. You head across the courtyard, and through the gates. You head into the yawning mouth of the docking cavern. You walk along the docks, into the large cavern. Feeling in need of an attitude adjustment, you push through the double doors and enter the WaveRider. Tillek Hold, The WaveRider Tavern(#614RJM$) You stand in a wide room, carved out of the side of the cavern. The light is slightly dim, as the room is lit mainly by glowbaskets hanging from the beams that cross the ceiling, but it only helps to create a relaxed atmosphere. The fireplace against the north wall keeps the room sufficiently warm, and the flickering glow is comforting. A bar, the top of which is polished stone, runs along the west wall, with a line of stools standing before it. In the northwest corner of the room, behind the bar, a swinging door leads into a small kitchen. Tables of various sizes range around the room, with some on the east side of the room dedicated to various games. A dartboard there is generally in use, and people generally take their seats at a safe distance. The only exit is through the swinging doors to the south, back into the work cavern. A small door in one corner leads into the kitchen, but this is behind the bar, and appears to be intended for employee use only. Contents: Maja WaveRider Dartboard(#10573SV$) cribbage Obvious exits: Out Your location's current time: 21:56 on day 26, month 10, Turn 59, of the Tenth Pass. It is a autumn evening. Bayan comes through the double doors from the cavern. Bayan has arrived. Wilf comes through the double doors from the cavern. Wilf has arrived. Dassah comes through the double doors from the cavern. Dassah has arrived. Shanlee comes through the double doors from the cavern. Shanlee has arrived. With a knowing grin to the 'Reachian brownrider that can only suggest this little detour was prearranged, R'hin falls into step with Maja as they lead the group down to the Tillek docks, murmuring, "How was yours?" Pale eyes glitter as they enter the tavern, and the bronzerider greets the bartender jovially. The man gestures them towards a table, on which a couple of bottles of wine and a number of glasses are set out. "Good man," the Weyrleader calls cheerfully, heading towards the indicated table. Dassah follows the others into the tavern, though her expression is one of distaste as she looks around the room. The table is noted and angled towards, though when she gets there she stands next to a chair rather than sitting in it, eying it as if trying to decide if she should even touch it. Green eyes adjust to the light and sweep across the area, taking in everything. Shanlee nods in Wilf and Bayan's direction, offering an "Evening Sir" to the Weyrleader as they head toward a table which looks to have been prepared in advance for their arrival. Her mind still firmly on the day's activities, and how she had found it satisfying in a way she hadn't expected. A faint smile at Dassah's obvious distaste tugs at her mouth. "Productive," Maja replies in a similar quiet tone, her expression watchful and serious. "You do realize, R'hin, that I don-- very rarely drink." A small smile passes across her face. "So I suppose that I'll be staring at the wall while the rest of you pass out." After a brief greeting to Dassah and Shanlee, Wilf follows as R'hin and the other rider lead the way. Wilf is happy to be back in familiar territory, A tavern is more home to him at this stage, than being on a dragon's back, something he will have to get used to if he should impress though. He follows the Weyrleader and the other rider, to the indicated table. As he gets to the table he introduces himself to the rider. "Evening ma'am, Wilf is my name." Perhaps it's deliberate that Bayan is the last to enter the tavern, eyes lighting on each fellow candidate first before it settles unwavering on Maja and R'hin. The suspicion remains in his demeanor, though at the bottles of wine he throws a forced smirk to those near. "Will we be learning the drunken aspect of rider life now?" he drawls dryly about their location, hazel eyes coming to long rest on the brownrider as he takes a seat. "Shanlee, Dassah. Good to see you in one piece." R'hin greets, as if he might have had doubts otherwise. He has no hesitations about settling into a seat, reaching for one of the bottles and pouring out glasses. To his 'own' candidates, he observes, "Drunk? No. You may drink, however, and enjoy. I have shown you the poor aspect of dragonriding; the drudgery, the mediocrity of it all. Now, to give you fair benefit, you ought to see the better side, the side where Holders still treat us respectfully. You ought to enjoy it, while it still lasts, for it may falter even in our lifetimes," he remarks, the final comment dry indeed. Maja is given an easy smile as he pulls out the chair next to his. "I realize. I thought to propose a toast to the clutch, though; surely you won't disappoint me?" brows flicker upwards, questioningly, a hint of teasing in his voice. Dassah offers Maja a sympathetic look. "Nor do I, ma'am, so you won't be entirely alone." She looks back around at the wothers, with a nod of greeting to Bayan and a smile for Wilf. And finally, she accepts the seat and settles into it, though she still looks to be trying to sit in it without admitting where she is. "The clutch deserves respect, and I feel that even more now I've been out there..." Bayan's comment gets a raised eyebrow, what had they been up to with R'hin? "Yes Sir, still in one piece" a wry chuckle at her back-to-front mounting of Vesereth, follows her reply. "Oh come one Dassah a sip or two won't harm anyone, least of all you - who knows....you might even have fun" is Shanlee's teasing reply to Dassah's sobriety. Shanlee settles herself in a chair, crossing her legs gives Wilf, R'hin and Bayan another look over - she'd find out sooner or later, she smirked to herself. Leiventh> Vesereth senses that Leiventh's tones are fairly placid, with only the faint edge of reluctance at being away from the Reaches darkening his mindvoice. « Mine is pleased. He has made those with him think. He feels... less guilty, » the bronze decides, after a distinct pause, as if somewhat puzzled by this emotion. As both riders seat themselves, Wilf sees Dassah's disgusted look as she spies out the chair she should possibly put her backside onto, he grins, "Dassah the chair won't bite just because it is a little dirty." Wilf's not adverse to having a drink or two, as Bayan's quip doesn't go unnoticed but remembering the instructions given, more than that would be out of the question. He pulls out a chair and seats himself casually, a smirk on his face, waiting for Bayan's next remark, he'd been at it all day and probably wouldn't stop now. "I'll drink to that sir, the clutch certainly does deserve respect," Wilf glances over at Dassah, "a sip or two wouldn't hurt." he says smiling. "My name is Maja, I ride brown Vesereth," Maja greets Wilf out of protocol. "And that's comfort," she notes to Dassah. "And hello, Bayan," she nods towards him, attempting in her sudden talkative mood to reach out to everyone (although perhaps Bayan most especially). She settles down in the chair by R'hin. "You're as bad as Shanlee." Leiventh senses that Vesereth is finally relaxed after a long day of high tension and watchfulness. « Mine had quite a lot of fun today, though she says she's taught them something important as well. -- I had fun today, too. It was a very productive day. » R'hin fills each glass three-quarters full, gesturing for everyone to take one. He raises his, lips curling as he says, "To the clutch soon to hatch on the 'Reachian sands. May it bring us good fortune, for the future." With a slight tip of the glass, he takes a gulp. The liquid is perfectly chilled, and fairly sweet, not quite as smooth as a Benden grown, but with a distinctive taste all the same. Maja is given a look of pure innocence. "Are you accusing Shanlee of being a handsome, convincing tempter? Well, that's new." He turns faintly quizzical look on the candidate in question, only the faint curve of his lips betraying amusement. While the drinking will be a definite by the look over to the wine bottles sent by the former itinerant, enjoyment has long since left his overall demeanor. Something seems to have soured Bayan's mood as he ignores most of those at the table. Maja's greeting gets a raised brow, eyes flicking to R'hin briefly, "Maja," is his curt greeting, noting that talkative mood of hers with mild interest. Now regarding the other candidates as he takes a glass, he's silent through the toast, taking a long drink. Leiventh> I bespoke Vesereth with « That is good. Mine wishes that much of importance is imparted to the candidates. He is pleased. » He pauses to consider the concept of your rider having 'fun'. « Mine is a little disappointed he wasn't there, to see yours have fun. » Dassah lifts her glass on cue, "The clutch." She says, simple, and takes the smallest of sips. And, clearly, it doesn't suit her by the wince that follows, and she is very firm about then pushing the glass away. As Maja greets the others, and focuses on Bayan, she looks curious. "You know each other?" Shanlee grins at R'hins comment to Maja, not a trace of recalcitrance on her face. The grin breaks into a chuckle "Well....." and Shanlee makes a show of peering under Dassah's chair "there could be a crawlie or two under there that bites" and winks at Wilf. Accepting the offered glass Shanlee raises it "To the clutch" and takes a sampling sip, licking her lips in appreciation she takes another before setting the glass down. "Awfully quiet for a change Bayan" Shanlee prods eyes, studying him carefully. Wilf says "Well met ma'am," Wilf returns the greeting, "Respects to Vesereth." The introduction out of the way, Wilf takes one of the glasses that R'hin had poured, "to the clutch," and drinks half the contents in one swig. Wilf notices Bayan's withdrawal from the group with interest, but says nothing. He chuckles at Shanlee's comment on crawlies." Maja takes the profferred glass, scrunches her nose and raises the glass to the toast, taking her own sip. "Clutch," she mutters, sucking the taste from her mouth. "It's always good to have someone on your side," she notes to Dassah, though more and more her attention is being sapped by the quiet and brooding Bayan. "I'm not accusing anyone of being convincing or handsome," she quips to R'hin, averting her attention from Bayan to eye the Weyrleader. R'hin takes another sip of the wine, seeming to enjoy it, if the slow way he partakes of it is any indicator. He takes note of many of the candidates' sudden interest in Bayan, and looks, too, for completeness' sake. He exhales at Maja's words, touching a hand to his heart. "Ow, you wound me so deeply, vixen. And in front of what may be the future riders of Pern." The faint glitter of eyes suggests there's no seriousness in the words, though that might not be immediately obvious to those that don't know him as well. "Been a long day," Bayan quips in response to Shanlee's observation of him, his focus more on the glass of wine than anything else as he says it. Dassah's query gets his attention away, shifting to regard the brownrider before taking another drink. All the attention being shifted to him doesn't help his mood much, so it seems pointed that he turns to Shanlee, "So. What all did you and Dassah learn about the life of riders with Maja here?" he asks, the light tone almost sounding fake. Dassah doesn't fight for that attention. Not a social girl by nature, it's easy for her to let the people around her lapse into their own discussions and teases while she simply sits back in her chair, watching and listening. She doesn't look bored, though, as her ears follow the conversations around her. At Bayan's question, Dassah can't help but answer. "When to ask questions, and when not to." Leiventh senses that Vesereth's mindvoice is beginning to fill with blues and greens of doubt. « Yes, » he replies, distracted. « Mine knows what bothers -him-. Though she wouldn't want me to say; she fears to dicuss it. She hopes he will not ruin the party. From what I know of him, he will. » The blues and greens turn to yellows of annoyance. Eyes flick from under lashes between Maja and Bayan, taking in the tension between the two. Eyebrows raise at Wilf "Thirsty?" Shanlee asks, a teasing note in her voice. "It might not Bendan, but it's not half bad" and casts an impish look in Dassah's direction. Her attention immediately drawn back to Bayan as he finally consents to add his piece "Oh...." a shrug of slight shoulders "Went to Igen Hold, never seen the desert before, met a few people, you know....the usual" she ends in an almost bored tone. Wilf is very amused at the quips being thrown back and forth between R'hin and Maja, Bayan and Dassah. He looks over at Shanlee at her remark, looks down at himself and says, "A lot to fill here," He grins and the second swig finishes the glass. Leiventh> Vesereth senses that Leiventh's silent, thoughtful for a moment as he considers the brown's words. « The party will not last much longer anyway, mine thinks. It has been a long day for all, and our duty is to return the candidates safely home. Private words can be spoken, later. » Wilf looks at Dassah's glass only a sip taken from it, "You going to finish that Dassah?" he asks innocently. Reflecting inner feelings, Maja's face shows that of concern for Bayan as well as a brief study of his actions. She shifts uncomfortably in her seat, shaking her head, distracted. "They should get used to it," she replies, quietly, refocusing herself. "I was very educational," she offers to the crowd, eyes narrowing on Wilf. "Perhaps you should let it be, Wilf." "Ah, excellent, a roaring endorsement of Tillek wines," R'hin approves of Shanlee's words, with a grin. He finishes off his glass, leaning back, fingers interlacing behind his head. Most of the local patrons seem to largely ignore the group, though one or two nod in their direction as they note the 'Reachian knots adorning the whole. R'hin returns those that do, pale eyes tracking them briefly before returning to the group. Maja's comment to Wilf doesn't seem to surprise him. "If we return you lot roaring drunk, the lady of the spires would have my hide. And I like mine just where it is." Raising a brow to Dassah's answer, "Seems like that should be the Reaches' motto or something," Bayan drawls dryly in comment. It's Shanlee's answer that elicits an actual reaction from him, the hazel eyes sliding to Maja with scrutiny. "Igen Hold, hm?" he echoes to the candidate, mirroring her bored tone, even though he's not looking at her. "You should try to go during the winter, Shanlee," and now he returns his attention to her. "Igen's the most tolerable during that time, especially the Hold itself." With that, he relapses back into silence, displaying a face of indifference even as it's clear that he's paying close attention to what's being said. If he notes the look of concern from the brownrider, it is not registering on his face as he regards R'hin and returns to his slowly emptying drink. Shanlee says "You don't say" Shanlee eyes Wilf's bulky frame at his -lot to fill quip- "Funny, never noticed that before." laughter shining in her eyes as the Bitran peers at Dassah's glass. Pulling a piece of leather strip from her pocket, Shanlee pulls her hair over her shoulder and begins re-braiding it, as even here the humidity was sticking it to her neck. "Yes, that it was - thank you Maja" she replies, finishing the braid and throwing it back over her shoulder "I have a few questions I'd like to ask of you sometime." Lifting the glass and taking another sip of wine, Shanlee pauses before answering Bayan "Coming from the High Reaches region, I must admit I found the heat quite stifling, but perhaps a visit in winter will be better enjoyed." Dassah wordlessly pushes her glass in Wilf's direction with a shake of her head. She glances to R'hin with frank dispproval for a moment, before she closes her eyes and rests her head on the back of the chair. Quietly, probably enough so to be lost in the crowd, she mutters to herself. She mutters to herself, "... should... accepted... dropped... weyr." Wilf looks over at R'hin enquiringly, perhaps for permission or guidance, he has been drinking for years but doesn't want to offend anyone, but two drinks have never affected him adversley, and as everyone was pointing out it certainly wasn't Tillek wine and he was not a young boy. Hearing what R'hin said about returning roaring drunk to the weyr, he decides not to drink the second glass that Dassah had pushed towards him "Ok I'll not, then," and slumps into silence. Maja nods at Wilf in approval, though she seems visibly uncomfortable with her surroundings, and with a last and final shift in her seat, stands up. "I should go," she announces. "It's getting late. R'hin, will Leiventh be able to carry everyone, or should I take some with me?" R'hin's grin, if anything, widens at Dassah's open disapproval, the bronzerider not in the least disturbed by the look. He gives an approving nod at Wilf at his decision, and seems to be following suit, even though he's eyeing his empty glass with a hint of wistfulness. "I think it's about time we all headed back. Before I get in too much trouble," he nods towards the wine bottles with a grin, standing. Shanlee rolls her eyes, and grimaces at Dassah - was relaxing and a bit of fun, truely so beyond her friend? Deciding to rather leave Dassah to her disapproving, silence, Shanlee turns to Wilf "Aw, I'm sure you'll survive.... a big chap like you." Long fingers trace the edge of the glass "I for one am quite happy to have the chance to visit outside of the Weyr for a change - bandage rolling can get quite tedious after a while" she quips as she notices Maja preparing to leave and looks to R'hin for his answer. Bayan nods to Shanlee, her response thinning his lips into something close to a smile. Wilf's behavior with the wine makes the smile form more, bringing his own to his lips and seeming to savor the liquid slower than he normally does. When Maja suddenly stands, he watches her intently, suddenly draining his glass and getting to his feet in clear indication of his wanting to depart. Dassah's eyes open quickly and she looks to Maja almost as a saving angel. "May I go back with you, ma'am? I find myself tired." It's a lame excuse, but better than the truth. Shanlee's look, and indeed R'hin's, are completely dismissed as she focuses on Maja. R'hin tips his head towards the bartender by way of cheery farewell, then begins to lead the way out through the docks. Following suit and rising to her feet somewhat regretfully, Shanlee pushes the chair back in and follows Maja and the others out. Wordlessly, Bayan follows suit, his tense demeanor apparent as he leaves. Wilf meanders along at the back. You stride out onto the docks to the north. |
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