Difference between revisions of "Logs:Of Debriefing"

Your location's current time: 15:32 on day 31, month 10, Turn 59, of the Tenth Pass. It is a autumn afternoon.

You push the hides aside and step into the kitchen. Kitchen, High Reaches Weyr The kitchens of High Reaches Weyr are contemporary, spare and simple in design, free of clutter. The sleek surfaces are a hallmark of the current Pernese style - polished marble and granite, metalwork, and woods. The background colors of the kitchen are light and neutral, allowing for bold tone accessories to take center stage. The lighting and entryway opening treatments are low-profile and minimalist. The hearths have been fitted with modern equipment and simple, sleek metalwork to add an up-to-date touch to the heavily used areas. The polished granite counters are long and wide, allowing for ample work space. The woodwork is lightly stained, bringing out the natural hues in the grain. A simple cording, in the same bold color as the accessories, borders each cabinet door, accenting the room. Two large islands break up the kitchen into work areas: baking center, butchery, vegetable and side center, and the serving organization center. The floor is tiled with large marble squares, each section carrying a different, yet complimentary color to direct the flow of traffic. The entryway into the Living Cavern has been expanded to fit two doors - in and out - each marked with its own identifying color that matches the tiles just inside the doors, to keep collisions from occurring. The cavern itself has been expanded to include breakfast nooks, where residents can sit to eat, while leaving the main kitchen free from tables and the traffic that accompanies a busy Weyr. Obvious exits: LIving Cavern Lower Caverns

Dassah comes into the kitchen from the living cavern. Dassah has arrived.

It's mid-afternoon, a lull period in the usual busy routine of the kitchen. That's undoubtedly why R'hin's chosen this particular time to partake a late lunch, rarely eating meals at the normal time in the living caverns. He's ensconced in one of the breakfast nooks that many seem to favor. His sandwich, however, is untouched as he stares with a distracted air at a report on the table in front of him, appearing more thoughtful than attentive to whatever the report details.

Having spent the morning at her assigned chores, and the early afternoon being drilled by the Weyrharper, Dassah is left with free time until dinner. This, it would seem, is her cue to help out in the carrying of dirty dishes and cups from the living caverns to the sinks in the kitchen where they will be cleaned. Easy work that doesn't seem impacted by the distracted and thoughtful look the woman has been sporting the last sevenday or so, though when she almost drops a mug she can only offer the dishwasher she is handing off to a sheepish smile.

With the faintest of exhales, R'hin pushes aside the reports, settling an elbow on the tabletop and resting chin in the palm of his hand. Gaze settles on Dassah, and with a tilt of head, he rifles through some of his hides, pulling out one with a faint twitch of bemusement to his lips. "Dassah," he calls, low, over the relative quiet of the kitchens.

Dassah, having just turned on her heel to return to the living caverns, is instead distracted by the call of her name. As she finds and approaches the man calling her, she offers him a polite curtsey. "Weyrleader. Was there something I could help you with today?"

"Yes, indeed. Sit down, if you would." R'hin indicates the bench opposite him, expectantly. "Maybe, you would care to explain why you're undertaking chores you've not been assigned? Your enthusiasm, while laudable, is puzzling. Surely, you realize the importance of free time?" There's a faint hint of teasing in the voice, though his expression is one of bemusement.

Dassah, ever obedient, sits down across for him. "Sir." She says, carefully. "It is my understanding that free time is a time we can use to pursue our own interests and desires. And, for me, having something productive to do is relaxing and enjoyable." It's said with the tone of someone who's explained this a lot lately. "And it's not like there is a lack of things that need doing..."

"Hm." R'hin's expression, while thoughtful, is not immediately dismissive of her answer as one might expect. "You feel better with something to occupy your time." It's statement rather than question, and it doesn't seem as if he expects an answer. Instead, he changes tact, speculative. "What did you think of your trip yesterday? And," a hand lifts, to pause any immediate response, "I'd rather an honest opinion, since you didn't seem particularly approving of how it ended. I'd like your honest thoughts, if you'd indulge me."

"I am rarely dishonest, Sir." Dassah says, with a shrug. "It was a very interesting trip, and very insightful. Overall, I enjoyed it very much, and Maja was a good person to spend the day with. I like her. I don't overly approve of going to a bar at the end of the day, though, no. I don't think there is any call for candidates to be in such a place." Whether other people should isn't said.

"Mm." R'hin's head tips, smile touching his lips. "Is it appropriate for riders, do you think? How about, people who stand a very good chance of one day being riders? Would you prefer that we obscured and obfuscated the life you may be called on to live?" He reaches for his sandwich, taking a small bite, chewing as he studies the candidate across from him. "You are not children. Candidates, yes. I will not treat you with kid gloves. I wish you to be under no illusions about what you may do."

Dassah is quiet at that a moment before replying. "The fault is really mine. Maja gave us the option of returning to the weyr, but I declined as I didn't think it fair to delay her and Shanlee's arrival there. There is also the image it sets, and that people will try to emulate their leadership, and so they should be providing a good example. Yes, as a rider there is the option to visit such places... But would it really be a bad thing to discourage it in favor of more productive things?" She shrugs.

"Productive things?" R'hin echoes, blandly. "One of the things we will need to do - one of -the- most important things - is to make ourselves visible to those under our protection. We cannot afford to hide in our lofty perch. We must remind the Holds, the Crafts, that we are around. Did you not notice the holders that acknowledged us, the crafters that nodded to us?"

"I did, but I also think about what they saw." Dassah counters. "The dragonmen of the notoriously debauched weyrs, there to drink and carouse. Yes, they saw us... And again, is that the image we /want/ them to see of us, when we are trying to maintain respect?" She flushes a bit. "I don't mean to be disrespectful, sir, but... You asked."

"Carouse? Was that what we were doing? I thought we had an amiable visit, a toast, and a lively discussion. You think that a poor image to give?" R'hin asks, head tipped. He doesn't seem particularly upset, more puzzled by Dassah's view of events. "I asked," he agrees, simply, leaving it at that. He takes another bite of his sandwich, dusting the crumbs from his lap.

"You assume the average person there paid /that/ close of attention to what was done, and didn't just see, as many expect to, dragonriders in a bar." Dassahs says carefully. "What /I/ think is both unimportant, and not the point. If you go for a place designed for something, people assume that that is what you are doing."

"I -wanted- them to see dragonriders in a bar!" R'hin replies, vehement all of a sudden. He takes a deep breath, voice lessening in intensity, "Do you know how many candidates we get who say they have -never- seen a rider, nor a dragon? We built eyries for ourselves, and it has become our bane."

"I don't deny that people need to see riders more, especially now that we are in an Interval." Dassah says. "I really don't. But... I don't know. I am sure you know better than I, it just seems that if you are trying to show more people dragons and riders being out there, that that isn't the kind of place to do it. Plus, noone /there/ looked to not have seen one before." A faint flush. "I, umm, may have done some asking around later about it, and it's not, as near as I can tell, a rare place for riders who enjoy drinking to go. Also mentioned a place in Ista."

"I don't know everything, as much as I would wish people to believe otherwise," R'hin's lips curl in self-deprecating smile. "If not a bar, then, where shall we be?" He tips his head expectantly, hands spreading wide. "The Waverider's less occupied by dragonfolk these days. They do," he grimaces, "Have a preference for Ista, which does us no good at all. -We- do not -need- to be seen in a Weyr." There's a slight note of distaste, or dislike in his voice.

Dassah sighs. "No, I guess we don't. And I am not sure I know the answer to the other. But that doesn't mean my point doesn't have merit." Her tone is almost defensive with the last. "It's not an easy question to answer, because the truth is that most people don't travel, and there's no reason for Riders to be where most people are. Gathers are about the only place where Hold, Hall, and Weyr meet with regularity."

"It has merit," R'hin agrees, "But I need answers, not more questions." There's a faintly weary note, a hint of disappointment as he leans back, running a hand through his hair. "Gathers," he echoes with a wry twist of lips, "Another place where drunken debauchery is expected?"

Dassah shakes her head, "No." Dassah says, firmly. "Gathers are about many things. Yes, people get drunk there. But that isn't the /point/. There is more to a Gather than just drinking, which will never be true of a bar. They are a much more ideal place for riders to be seen, and to be accessible. And, hopefully, to show that they /don't/ have to indulge there."

"And the -point- of a bar isn't to socialize?" R'hin counters, not disagreeing, but offering another viewpoint. "Gathers have been going for a long time, and riders already congregate there. It will not help us in the long term, I fear." A twitch of lips, and he adds, "I'm hardly about to order my riders not to indulge. As much as I hope for their good behavior outside the Weyr, much of that is left to good faith."

Dassah is quiet a moment, then sighs. "I can't answer that." She admits. "Last night was, really, my first time in one. I don't drink; not just because it clouds the mind, but because it tastes foul. So there is no appeal at all, for me. So I have to trust that your time in bars has served you enough to know what is best." A small smirk. "I guess that is why you are Weyrleader, and I'm a Candidate who doesn't think she will Impress."

R'hin's low chuckle bespeaks amusement, and he doesn't deny his familiarity with bars. "No, Dassah. I am a rider, because for reasons beyond my comprehension, Leiventh chose me. Perhaps it was random luck, perhaps it was fate; who knows. I am -Weyrleader-, because Leiventh flew the best out of the dragons that chased the senior queen. I am not Weyrleader because I am wise, or because I know better than a doubt-filled candidate." He gives a little smile here, to soften his words, hands spreading. "I didn't think I would Impress, either. I was -certain-, and I staked my future on it." It.. almost sounds like he seems regretful of that choice, though his expression is guarded, reaching for his sandwich again.

"This, for me... It's a means to a future." Dassah admits. "I don't thnk I will. But honestly, whatever happens out there, I will walk away happy. I've fuond a home I really like, not just one I happen to live at. And I get to stay." A small smile. "She wouldn't have chosen him, sir, if you were unsuitable. I do truly believe that. I know it's happened in the past, but not as often as them picking men who rise to the challenge."

R'hin's fingers tap at the table top in consideration. "I hope it turns out that way, for you," he says, phrasing odd. "Loyalty to a Weyr becomes a harsh mistress, indeed." Dassah's comment earns thoughtful look from the Weyrleader, who, with a faint smile, confesses, "Josilina has said that, perhaps I am what the Weyr -needs-, rather than what the Weyr -wants-. Maybe it's true."

"There is no denying you will bring change." Dassah says softly. "But what you have said of it, what Maja has said... It's good change, R'hin. I think the Weyrwoman is quite right on that point. Not that you need /my/ blessing, me barely a third of a turn here, but maybe the view from outside is clearer."

R'hin's lips curl in faint smile, "I hope that it's good change. But it's change, and that doesn't come easily for those so much longer steeped in tradition than I, then others of my generation." He finishes off half of the sandwich, once more brushing away crumbs as pale eyes study the candidate across from him. "You discount yourself far too readily, Dassah. There is wisdom in some of your ideas. Merit. You do not tread the path of what has been, simply because it is well worn. That is a valuable skill far above anything that we may need, over the next few Turns."

"Perhaps." Dassah says, with a small shrug. "Weyrwoman Satiet said something similar the other day. But I don't think I discount myself. I am simply realistic. I can't say where my life will go, I really don't know... But I can say there is one path I don't think is real, but runs close enough to the one that is that I will walk it."

R'hin, if anything, appears intrigued by Dassah's talk, the other half of his sandwich ignored in favor of studying Dassah. "And which paths do you speak of?"

Dassah leans back, looking over at the older man speculatively. "The illusion should be obvious. Candidacy." A soft shrug. "The other... Well, perhaps when the illusion is gone, I will be able to see it clearly enough to see where it leads... Or at least a sign for where the next shelter will be on the trail."

R'hin's nod is slight, a concession to her words. "Candidacy is, in itself, a path of learning. Much becomes clear about the reality of being a rider - at least, I hope that is the case. Some choose not to delve." He does sound honestly regretful about that. "There will always be a place for you at High Reaches, regardless of where you end up. Whether or not you impress, you should seek me out, and we will talk again of paths, when the time comes."

Dassah smiles, nodding. "I've been told that, about there being a place. And I admit I am happy about it. I do still hope to win my family over, and that, at least, will do as a short-term goal. And, of course, to be useful to you and the rest of the people who make the Weyr function." Her smile fades a bit. "Though hopefully we can find something less... Simple... For me to do when the time comes. I admit, being a Candidate has illustrated my dissatisfaction with only doing the easy and menial chores."

"Have no fear, I've no intention of you working within the kitchens for the rest of your life. No, you've a greater calling than menial labor, as necessary as it is." The Weyrleader waves away Dassah's concern with a flicker of fingers. "Candidacy, whatever else it does, gives one a good appreciation of the many duties the support staff undertakes. Oh, I've heard the many complaints about it being designed to break you, but that's not the intention at all. Weyrlinghood--" he trails off with a little wry smile, leaving the thought unvoiced. "Well, we'll see. Things change. For the better, I hope."

"Break us?" Dassah's tone is surprised, and perhaps even a bit offended. "I should hope that if you wanted to break me, you'd put effort into it. A little work shouldn't break anyone, menial or not." a pause. "Well, ok. Helping the nannies came close, but that's /different/." A small smile; she could, even, be teasing. "Will there be anything else, Sir? Or may I return to what I was doing?"

R'hin chuckles, low-voiced, amused agreement with Dassah's words. "Well, some have rather grand ideas of the purpose of candidacy. Myself, I think it a time of discovering what you may become, and choosing your future. Others find the work difficult and discouraging, and never give thought to what may be. It is, I suppose, different for everyone that undertakes it." The small smile from Dassah elicits an agreeable chuckle. "Oh, no arguments there. It was about one of the least favorite things I had to do." His glance shifts to the kitchen staff, just beginning preparations for dinner. "No, nothing else. Thank you for the company, Dassah, and your thoughts. Both are much appreciated."

Dassah stands, with a small smile. "My time is yours, of course, Weyrleader. But I will, as usually happens, come away with things to think about." A cant of her head to one side. "You are a very intruiging person." Head straightens and she gives him a curtsey. "Clear skies, sir, and a pleasant evening." And she moves away, back towards the caverns, the crowds within, and most likely to the tidying she seems to enjoy.