Difference between revisions of "Logs:Of Changes In the Air"

Your location's current time: 20:02 on day 26, month 11, Turn 58, of the Tenth Pass. It is a autumn evening.

Leiventh> Maxeoth senses that Leiventh's crimson tones creep up, awareness of the bronze's presence simply there all of a sudden. « Mine asks for a private word with yours, if yours is amenable. » Much as with R'hin's words to M'wen, Leiventh's tones are full of respect, a polite request rather than demand.

Leiventh senses that Maxeoth's tones respond, a small splash, « Mine will have this word, where should I fly him? » His tones fade away, a slight baritone lingering softly.

Leiventh> I bespoke Maxeoth with « There is a place outside the Weyr, a nice clearing. It is a lovely day, and mine suggests it will be unoccupied. »

Maxeoth bespoke Leiventh with « We shall be there. »

Mountainside Clearing(#420RJs) Situated partway up the side of one of the mountains of the High Reaches Range and only a short flight away from the bowl of the Weyr, this clearing is long but only couple of dragonlengths wide. A rushing mountain stream filled with the water from melting snow higher in the ranges runs along the length of the clearing. Although the clearing is fairly narrow, there is room enough for several dragons and their riders to rest comfortably. Strewn with wildflowers in the spring and summer, the meadow is fairly flat until it stops abruptly as the mountain again makes its sharp ascent. Obvious exits: Clearing

M'wen meanders out from the surrounding area outside the weyr. M'wen has arrived.

The lingering warmth of the sun still lingers in the clearing despite the early evening hours. R'hin can be found lounging near the stream, occasionally throwing rocks across it's surface. Leiventh, circling as he's prone to do, greets his clutchsibling with a low, bassy rumble, the bronze's wings dipping briefly as he makes another circuit in the air above.

The bassy rumble of the bronze is met with a slightly higher toned warble from Maxeoth as he circles in towards the clearing. Sliding down his dragons back M'wen throws a hap-hazard salute in R'hin's direction in greeting, not expecting one in return, or even that the Bronze-rider will notice it. Approaching R'hin swiftly, he raises an eyebrow quizzical and says only, though in a voice less hostile then usual when addressing R'hin, "Well?"

The salute is returned by R'hin - although not so much returned, as offered - perhaps he doesn't even see the one given to him. The bronzerider's gesture conveys respect, rather than the ordinary 'going through the motions' that most allow the gesture to become, pale eyes lifting and focusing on M'wen as he approaches. "I've missed your counsel, my good brownrider. Has Melata had you running errands all over Pern?" The dry words are accompanied by an easy grin as a hand gestures towards the ground near him in silent invitation. A beat, then, sober, serious: "I've something I need to entrust to you."

Taking a seat on the ground beside the bronzerider, M'wen studies R'hin intently, obviously already deep in thought trying to puzzle out what may be in store. Choosing his words slowly and carefully, "Are you sure this is something in which you wish to confide in me? I...I'm glad my counsel has been of service" The first part is said with his usual cautious attitude, and the second with a slight look of disbelief.

"Who else would I trust?" The words are said facetiously, but for all that R'hin seems to have an air of solemnity about him, as if there's truth behind the facade. This close, M'wen can see that he has a tightly rolled hide resting in his lap, not dissimilar from many of the message hides he often scribbles or draws on. This one, however, is sealed with wax. "I feel adrift, M'wen. I can sense something coming, but I don't know what it is, and I fear it bodes ill." It would be easy to accuse him of being over melodramatic, since it's not an unknown quantity, but the tenseness in the lines of his shoulders bespeaks otherwise.

A slight glance is thrown to the hide, then back to R'hin. "I...understand," pause. "I think. Though I can't think of any reason I've given you to trust me..." M'wen's usual perplexed expression returns as R'hin's tones lean on ominous, "How could something be coming? Thread won't be back or 200 turns or more...And there's not much that could bode as ill as your making it seem other then that, is there?" The last part is questioning himself as much as R'hin.

The comment about trust earns a sharp look from R'hin, but it is surprise, not anger that marks the expression. "I can't think of any reason I've given -you- to believe in -me-, but for some reason you did, for all that everything I did screamed otherwise. That is why, M'wen. I respect you." A beat or two, as fingers run the length of the hide. "What's coming? I don't know." Uncertainty is not something R'hin is used to, and neither does it sit well with him. "I met with someone. In certain respects he can be trusted, but one does not deal with his like, without some kind of insurance for a prolonged life. Perhaps I give him too much credit, but better that I am prepared for the eventuality."

M'wen gives a nod to R'hins response, accepting it as said. He turns back to him with the samn intent look, looking to be wanting to say something but holding it back. Finally having had enough, "What is it you were going to confide in me? This feeling of yours can be assesed later, maybe if your news is as important as I've gotten the feeling it is, i'll be having the same bad feeling." A twitch of the lips is all as he waits for the reply.

The unspoken comment is noted, and doesn't go unremarked on: "You wanted to say something. Please, do. You of all people know you needn't guard your words around -me-." R'hin's tone is wry, pale eyes even. He exhales, slowly. "I think you misapprehend me. The feeling is -it-. Can't you sense the change in the air?" His head turns, unerringly, to glance towards the Weyr. Another shift of shoulders, and he turns the rolled hide over his hands, tossing it towards M'wen. "It's a picture of the one I met with. Should something... happen, I would suggest delivering this to Maja. She will know what to do with it. She will hunt him down, I suspect, though that, too, could end badly. I will leave it to your discretion to decide."

M'wen catches the hide, his perplexed expression intensifying instead of leaving. "I respect your decision to talk to me when you have problems, and usually it's probably a good thing you did. But...but your important message to me is that you feel a bad omen in the air?" He gives a long increduulous look at R'hin, "I have nothing left unsaid, and --" His turn turns softer, congenial "-- Do not take y disbelief as a slight to you, but I haven't noticed a change in the air or anything of the like, but if you are conspiritizing with people that you worry for your life with, I may see the problem."

"No. My important message is to ask - as someone I trust - that you take care of that for me." R'hin's tip of head indicates the hide. "And while I have many issues on my mind, this is the greatest of them for now." His hands, freed of the hide, settle in his lap, exhaling slowly. A slight furrowing of brow follows, puzzlement giving way to astonishment, then laughter. "Oh, ho. You remind me why I seek your counsel with such simple words, M'wen. Perhaps you are right, at that." The laughter eventually fades, the bronzerider looking thoughtful. "Better myself, than the Weyr. I want not their influence here."

M'wen puts the hide in a puch on his belt. "Probably a good thing you did discuss it with me. Who is this mysterious stranger, and what could they possibly offer you that you'd risk your own self to associate with. For once, think of the rest of us...whether you want it this way or not, you've begun a change, still in its early stages, but there are more and more of those who are beginning to see the problem of the world--beginning to see the problems with their lives, and this is thanks to you, and, again, whether you like it or not, no one yet has the mind to bring your ideas of change to the light; You are in this until the end!"

"I -am- thinking of the rest of you," R'hin retorts, anger leaking into his voice, pale eyes watching until M'wen tucks the hide away. "I had to ensure he wouldn't interfere with things here. I want the Weyr to be built on something good; why do you think I've such high hopes for you, and Maja, and those like you?" He exhales sharply, narrowed eyes at the other's latter statement, voice a lot more even, "I've no plans to step out, not yet. But I recognize the possibility of others' plans interfering with that. And speaking of," he straightens a little, some of the tension flowing away with the change of topic, "There is a woman at Telgar Weyr, by the name of Zihsa. Should you have a chance in your travels, I would like very much for you to meet with her, and for you to give me your opinion of her. I think she has potential... she could be the diplomat we need."

Normally one to instigate the change of subject, and usually failing, M'wen presses further. "If you are going to confide in me, do so. Who is this person and why would you get into a situation as...dangerous as this one sounds to be? I know you to be reckless, but not to the level of hurting yourself or others close to you, no matter what you tell people. You...you -are- good, even if you won't admit it to yourself. From what I gather from this most recent 'adventure', my previous assesment of you still holds. Seeing the bad in people over the good doesn't make you a bad person, in fact, it probably is better then trying to find the good most of the time." A slight twitch is given, "Others plans? Whose other plans?"

Leiventh> To you, Leiventh senses your question, and observes, « You must choose who to trust in, and then trust them, R'hin. »

There's a long pause, R'hin's head tipping upwards as if seeing out Leiventh's counsel, high above. "That," he finally says, eyes dropping, a gesture given to the rolled hide now in M'wen's possession, "Is a picture of the elusive Kamer, brother to Ayana and Bayan. From what I gather, they are renegades, or so closely involved with them that the distinction makes little difference to you and me. Bayan's presence here was of concern to me, for what plans they had for the 'Reaches. Kamer has assured me his business - whatever that may be - will not affect the Weyr. I believe in his own way, Kamer is a man of his word. Should what we do ever affect him, though, such a position would be revisited."

M'wen ahhs softly, "I thought as much, well that it was Kamer...I've heard nothing but bad things about him. Though you and Bayan are closer alike then you'd care to admit." The last part is said with a slight raising of his lips, the jibe intended as a jest, whether M'wen actually believes it or not. "What is he trying to do that our goals would affect him? What could changing tradition do to the holdless and renegades that would be bad?"

Jest or not, the comparison rankles R'hin, that much is clear. "Bayan? That itinerant's only purpose is his so-called business. He has been handed the opportunity to become much more so many times, and has turned his back on it every time, and will continue to do so. He is not strong enough, or not willing enough, to stand against Kamer." A purse of lips, and he shakes his head, "That I don't know, and I think it better that I don't. -He-, however, doesn't know what -we- plan, so it's probably for the best. As for how it could affect them, I don't know. I think it will have a ripple effect. If we pull this off," he pauses to take a breath, that intent tone of voice audible, "M'wen, if we -really- do it, it could change Pern. We could be an example of how to do things better, how to do things -right-."

M'wen looks at his feet, deep in thought letting the newest information sink in. "One of his...type are better to be kept in the dark with revolutionary things like this in the works. But what -is- our plan? So far we're just like the weyrbrats, planning for months how to pull off a prank, then forgetting about it, then just starting anew, exactly like the traditions we are trying to stop. Some things need to be taken slow...recruiting people to the cause for instance, but what reason to people have to listen to you when you don't even have a plan with going about the idea? How can people follow our example when we have nothing to set as it." He pauses briefly, then changes the subject, though still looks to expect answers to his non-rhetorical questions. "You have to meet the traders down at the lakeshore, her tounge is sharper then yours is, and thats saying something."

"I never forget about it. Everything I -do- takes what we plan in mind." R'hin's retort is swiftly, a touch acerbic, more for the words that follow, "But the plan hinges on one of Pern's very traditions - the senior queen. Once that event takes place, everything else falls in line. You and Maja, you will lead, of that I have already ensured. I've a potential diplomat in mind, for everything else." There's a hint of frustration in his voice, though, "I would not have a revolution paved in blood. Even... honorable intentions... would be soured by such a beginning. We must do it carefully, so the Weyr Council has no cause to question the autonomy of the Weyr. As for whether people will listen to me... well, they either will or won't. Once we have a diplomat in place, it will make things easier for us, for everything." A curl of lips, the bronzerider obviously familiar with the woman in question, "Of the Dijilia clan? I've met the woman. I think she wants to attempt to clothe me."

M'wen chuckles briefly at the comment towards the trader, "You were a trader, weren't you? I'm surprised you aren't trying to widdle marks out of me all the time like she did to me." The chuckle dies on his lips as he regards R'hin, "This doesn't seem like something blood would be spilt over. All I can see is the council deeming the idea unfit and rounding up any revolutionaries. You have said you had a queen rider at least aware of your plans, this should make things easier?" A brief pause, "Hide-bound leadership will just reject your ideas without a thought. You need a way to make it sound like no traditions will be broken to at least get your ideas a foothold...that or gain influence in most of the council." The last part is added with a slight smirk.

"Was," R'hin agrees, "And I've far less interest in your marks than in your wise words, my good brownrider," the words said with a smile, no less genuine for all that. He, too, sobers fairly quickly at M'wen's latter words, reaching for a stone and skipping it across the water with more force than necessary. "If you wanted change to happen now, today, that would be how it would have to happen. Done slowly, there are things that can be done to perhaps... encourage the situation we require." A sidelong glance is given, agreeing mildly, "We've a queenrider who agrees with the ideals and plans. It wouldn't be hard for you to guess who, I imagine." A slight frown appears, brow furrowed at the latter comment. "Influence council?" he echoes, before a low chuckle follows, "Oh, ho. Meddlesome and devious. I love it. I'll have to give it some thought. That, I think, would need the hand of our diplomat-to-be, though."

A slight smile appears on M'wen's face at the compliment. "I partially get where your coming from, but what will waiting achieve? Hoping the older hide-bound leaders die off? Dragon-riders are more resiliant then given credit for. If we come in slow in a direct route, then it will just be that much longer before we get thrown out and quashed. Maybe we can do something with weyr autonamy and use it to our advantage? Maybe if one starts the change, the others will follow from example rather then from the words of an unimportant telgarian and an unranked bronzerider. Give it some thought indeed, but don't do anything rash without at least mentioning it to me, Though I may be giving myself more credit then I deserve." He looks thoughtful, "I can guess, but I'd rather not, I'm usually wrong in things like these."

"When our weyrwoman takes her place as senior, you and Maja, and others we trust, will be place in positions of authority. -You- will lead by example. That is why you will be great. You will -show- people a different way to live their lives, rather than by tradition." R'hin's voice holds that sharp intensity, suffused with determined expression. "If everyone who holds a position of power is someone who believes in the ideals of change, and who supports it, even those who follow tradition will follow their leaders. For most of them, that's all they -can- do - follow the example set, without deviation, without question. As for the rest, well... we will see. I don't see all the flaws in the plan, not yet." A low, indulgent chuckle, "Me, do something rash? Faranth forfend. But yes, you are right, I'll certainly run anything by you first." A tip of head as to that last. "She'll approach you herself, one of these days."

M'wen nods slowly absorbing the information, "I will await that day" He then mutters to himself, "It could be? No it couldn't be..." Puzzling out the mysterious weyrwoman. "She has the right to remain anonymus, I'll just have fun twisting my mind about trying to figure it out til that day." mimicing R'hin's earlier actions by throwing a rock across the water in front of them, he sighs softly, "If this works, the weyrs will never need to be dependant again, but holders will lose respect and we will lose what influence or power we ever held over them. I'm not being arrogant, not in the least, but us riders use intimidation over the holders, whatever we may call it, and do act as a policing force over them, without the need for their supplies, or their other stuff, the non-weyr population could fall into disarray."

"I think you overstate it," R'hin disagrees, mildly. "Once Thread comes back, everything will fall back into place. We won't have the time to seek our own supplies, or produce our own crafters. We'll have to rely on them, and they'll have to rely on us. But until then, for the next two hundred Turns, our intimidation factor will fade away to nothing without the Thread to back it up. We must give ourselves our own purpose, whilst Thread no longer plagues us. If anything, I think the Holds and Halls will be better off, without us relying on them - they will be better off if we make it more of a partnership than a threat of possible death." He watches the rock sink into the stream, lips twisting. "Perhaps I am too idealistic."

"I hate to be the pessimist, but you, of all people, are being too idealistic." M'wen chuckles, eyes roving around. "The whole problem in the first place is that holders -won't- work in a partnership, and it would be useless if we were self sufficient. All we'd be is a threat from the lord holders to thier subjects." In a mock voice, 'If you don't do as I say, I'll get that R'hin over here to drop you between!'

"Isn't that the idea? I'm the visionary, after all. Perhaps if I strive far higher than we're capable of, we'll make it half way, and make something good of it." R'hin says, with a long look at M'wen, considering the brownrider's words carefully. "You could be right," he realises, after a beat or two, with a distinct frown. "I don't -want- us to become the threat that Lord Holders hold over their holders' heads during the interval. We need them to work with us. That's where I hope a diplomatic wing will prevent that sort of occurrence. I can't say if it will work, though. Time will tell."

"Why aim for half-way? Set an attainable goal, then work all we can to achieve it. Less stressful in the long run, and with a greater chance of success." He regards R'hin with a tilt to his head. "How would a diplomat help with this? Saying, 'Don't threathen your holders or their'll be consequences'? This will be as bad as before...with us as tyrants."

"Why? Because I know not how to only aim for half way. I know not how to strive for only what I -should-, not what might be impossible. Who knows where we will be in five, ten Turns time." R'hin plays with another rock, but doesn't yet consign it to the water with the others. "If I went in, that would be what I'd say. A diplomat could discern what the Lord Holder -truly- wants. Everyone has wants and needs. If we find out what it is, we can provide it, or figure out how to help him. Trade a favor for a favor, you might say. It's a system as old as Pern."

"And what if the lord holder is as stubborn as you are? Then we are right back where we started. Theres hundreds...thousands of contingencies to plan for, and if any loose ends exist, the entire plan will fold in on itself. But maybe you already know this." He regards R'hin, an unreadable expression planted on his face.

"I know this. But I have confidence in you, in Maja, in our weyrwoman. If things can't be done by negotiation, there are other ways. I, too, have a purpose to fulfil." R'hin's smile is rather thin-lipped, a hint of dark knowing. "Would you rather I give up and not try, because the odds are against us? I know the house always wins, but shard it, this is too important not to try. I can't live my live in mediocrity."

M'wen gives R'hin a slight smile, "You know as well as I do that I support the idea fully, but I'm just putting forward all the problems with the current layout of the plan. Also, this isn't something you'd stop pursuing lightly, and I won't be the one to try." He pauses listening to the sounds of the river. "You demean yourself saying that you have a purpose the way you did. You are the quintessential part of this whole operation."

"I'm glad," R'hin eventually says, after a beat or two. "I don't demean myself, M'wen. It is what it is. Once things are set in motion, all of you will lead. I will have a part, too, but it will not be a visible one. I will do whatever I need to make sure that it succeeds, because I recognize that this is bigger than me." A wry smile, as he adds, "No matter the size of my ego, I accept this."

M'wen strecthes, then stands up, "My advice? Stay away from Kamer unless it threatens the plan. You will know what to do if that arises, and I have this," He pats the pouch on the side of his belt. "I didn't expect you to believe you were bigger then all of pern, though I'm still glad you don't think that." Turning swiftly on his heel, he strides of towards Maxeoth who was dozing in the sun. Turning back on an afterthought, he throws a sharp salute, a faint glimmer of respect in his eyes. Hoping up onto his dragons back and pulling on his jacket, he calls out, "We shall speak again, remember my advice, as I'd rather see you whole next time we talk."

Solemn, R'hin returns the salute, respect mirrored in the bronzerider's pale gaze.