Difference between revisions of "Logs:Of Traders and Diplomats"

Your location's current time: 18:25 on day 26, month 4, Turn 59, of the Tenth Pass. It is a spring evening.

You wander into an archway leading into the council chambers. High Reaches Weyr Council Chamber(#770RJs$) This cavern, nearly as large as a dragon weyr, is filled with an oval table, surrounded by chairs, at which meetings are held. The chair at the far end of the table is somewhat larger than the rest, the embroidered seat cushion done a little fancier, but not too much so. In the center of the hardwood table the symbol of High Reaches Weyr has been inlaid in colored stones, gleaming in the light from the glowbaskets hung around the room. A natural alcove is filled with shelves, all piled high with neatly ordered records of past Turns. A short passage leads back to the Senior Queen's ledge. Views: Alcove Contents: Vertai Jendayi Josilina Dname Matcher Thingy Obvious exits: Ledge

Josilina's already set up at the table - by a haphazard pile of hides off to one side, one might assume she was working in here already. She has four chairs clustered around one end of the table, the one without the fancier seat, so the setup is less imposing than it could be, and there's a pitcher of something and several glasses set out, along with a bowl with fruit and a few muffins in it.

R'hin is casual in contrast to the brightness of the Dijilia garb, his plain shirt half unlaced at the front, sleeves pushed up as he walks in from the ledge, the last to arrive. "Sorry I'm late. Just got back from some... thing," he's vague, absently so, taking the seat on Josilina's side. The choice is deliberate, the unified front perhaps belied by the lack of a knot on the Weyrleader this evening. "Drink?" he enquires, pouring even before an answer is garnered, offering the first glass to Josilina.

Jendayi is in full regalia, colorful garb threatening fluttering movement with every shift of position. She stands now at the table, looking from Vertai to Josilina and back again as introductions are offered- "Weyrwoman, my partner Vertai, Tai, the Weyrwoman Josilina." Trapped beneath one arm are several hard-leather tubes intended for the carrying of scrolls, their ends capped to hide their contents. "One wonders how they survive day to day without a view of the sky," she had said to Vertai just seconds before the pair appeared and that a musing thought has left a hint of whimsy lingering in the eyes that turn to R'hin upon his arrival. "Punctuality is for those with a taste for diplomacy, or so I am told. No, thank you, Weyrleader."

Vertai stands a step or two to one side of the lilac-clad Jendayi, hands clasped at the back of his waist beneath the buttery fall of his stole. He conducts a quiet survey of the chamber with the guarded, vaguely pleasant expression of one prepared to be on his best behavior. "Weyrwoman," he follows, with a glance and a sculptured smile. "I'm honored to meet you; Jendayi's told me how amiable and encouraging you've been." With that he takes a seat, embroidery sparkling beneath the glowlight in the hue of the Weyrleader's beast. When the man himself enters, he's included without a beat in the not-quite warmth of the trader's smile. "Weyrleader R'hin." And then, after a little pause, "Congratulations on your success. I would love one, yes."

"Hello! Vertai, nice to meet you, and of course good to see you again Jendayi." Josilina half-rises as the traders come in, smiling in bright welcome. "Please, come sit. I'm glad you could both come. The - ah," she breaks off as R'hin comes in, arching her brows for 'a thing'. "R'hin, you've met Jendayi and Vertai?" She matches R'hin in casual dress, at least, particularly compared to the Traders. "Thank you," she murmurs for the glass before facing the other two more fully. "So. Vertai, I assume Jendayi told you about what we were discussing before? Setting up a situation where you could winter here, seasonally."

"We've met," R'hin assures the Weyrwoman, a curl of lips seeming to concede Jendayi's comment as he sets out the glasses despite the refusal. "And bright colors are for those with a flair for the dramatic, or so -I- have been told, Dijilia." He sets his own glass to one side, leaning back in his chair, fingers interlacing as he regards the two traders with even, pale gaze, Vertai's words earning even response, "Thank you. Though I believe you should be congratulating Leiventh on -his- success. I had no part in making it so." He falls silent as Josilina moves onto the formalities, gaze shifting between the two traders.

The scroll-tubes are set down, one by one, lined up neatly at the table's edge before Jendayi too takes her seat. "We have had that pleasure, yes Weyrwoman. The Dijilia are taught that the start of all relationships warrant the brightest of clothing. We are here to celebrate such a beginning," she responds with a tip of her head at the bronzerider, smile edging briefly into the territory of a grin. Then it's back to business, dusky fingers splayed over the deeper brown of the tubes. "That we could winter here and contract with the Weyr's riders for transportation to locations of our choosing, during the cold months," she clarifies. "In effect, making those riders, and High Reaches, partial partners of the Dijilia."

"When I see Leiventh next, I'll be sure to tell him, Weyrleader. I believe we're scheduled to play at dice tomorrow afternoon." Such is the placidity of Vertai's tone that it seems a fixed assignation between dragon and man; only the twitch of his smile-- and the absurdity of the thing itself-- point to the jest. He leans across the table, hand snaking from his sleeve to take the glass nearest him. "Yes, Weyrwoman. Jendayi's explained your proposed arrangement, and I must say I'm excited by the prospect." Josilina has his attention now, warm as firelit gold. "It will be to the benefit of the Weyr, and of our family. We have only to hammer out the details."

Josilina shoots R'hin something of a look for his remark on bright clothing but she keeps the bulk of her attention on the matter at hand, leaning forward a little as the tubes are set down. "Please help yourself," she adds, tipping the bowl in the traders' direction, before nodding. "The situation would definitely be beneficial to both sides, if we can work it out. The question, I think, at the forefront is what could be arranged in exchange for the help of a wing to move yourselves and your supplies up to the Weyr. Or - " with another glance at the scrolls, "did you have something in mind, to open with?"

"Considering how little an interest Leiventh takes in people, I'd consider that an honor. You'd best watch him, though; he cheats." R'hin's tone is markedly dry as he unlaces his fingers, leaning forward to take a sip from his glass, though perhaps not fast enough to conceal the grin at Jendayi's comment. Josilina's look is taken in stride, and for the silent warning it is, amused glittering of eyes barely dimming as he turns attention to the business at hand. "Details. Yes. What exactly," he adds, "Does High Reaches gain out of this partnership? I'm not talking about the marks you will give to the riders. What does the -Weyr- gain?"

Jendayi takes one of the tubes and twists its cap off, letting it dangle at the end of a string while she extricates the hide rolled within. "We would be poor traders, if we didn't have something to open with," she tells Josilina, eyes gone diamond-bright with merriment. "I took the liberty of drawing up a general contract, outlining the relationship. We have only to fill in what we all agree is fair compensation for your part in the relationship." A look flicks towards R'hin, his questions provoking a chuckle- she is trying to appear professional, and so avoids the temptation of full laughter. "Don't be so quick to dismiss marks, Weyrleader! We propose that High Reaches will gain ten percent of the profit per month for as long as the roads are unpassable."

Vertai sips calmly from his glass while Jendayi speaks. He watches the trader girl's hands from the corner of his eye, but his posture-- canted back in his chair, calf crossed over crimson thigh-- makes him seem as much an observer as a participant in these rites of business. Only when he's smacked his lips, savored the taste of drink on his tongue, does he see fit to add, "Mind you now, Weyrleader, that's ten percent monthly on /all/ of our profits for the duration of our wintering. If we sell, say, a handsome gather coat to one of your bronzeriders--" eyes of amber flick over the man in muted good-humor-- "you collect marks for no effort at all. That's incentive to put your riders at some small inconvenience, I would say."

Josilina nods as she listens, toying with her glass without drinking from it. "You said while the roads are unpassable - shouldn't it just be the duration of your stay? It was my understanding, at least, that we'd be, you know, giving you a lift up and down at the season's start and end partly just because it'd be easier and less risky for you. Because, you know, sometimes the roads are /passable/ but you'd be up here anyway, since passable doesn't mean easy at all, up here."

The Weyrleader's countenance alters, subtly. The traders would recognize it as one of their own, calculating, considering measure, stately air of the barter. Jendayi's response and her chuckle is met with an even look and a twitch of brow from R'hin. "The Weyr is tithed everything it requires. We don't have a pressing need for marks. Not right now, in any case." He is dismissive of her near-laughter and her response, abruptly so. "So once more I ask, what do you offer that is of interest to us?" Pale eyes flicker reflexively from one to the other, the schooled patience hinting he has something in mind, but waits to lay it out on the table. He half leans back, nodding at Josilina's words, watchful.

"The percentage would be for those months in which we are in residence, and being transported by your riders over the continent, yes Weyrwoman. During the warmer months, when our wagon is capable of travel, we had hoped to make a circuit of the Weyr's coverage areas...in short, we are creating our caravan and a new circuit, or hope to." Jendayi follows this clarification with a smile for Josilina, but it is short-lived. R'hin's interjection causes something of a pause, a moment filled with the girl's study of the fellow across the table. If she is making calculations, they hide behind a facade of curiosity. "We had hoped that the Weyr would also see the need to put marks away, with an eye on the possibility of lean times in the future. Marks are what traders deal in, Weyrleader. They are what we offer to you and yours. Unless there is something else you care to have of us."

Vertai seems to have lost his smile as well. In his drink, perhaps, for he takes his time sipping before he fixes the Weyrleader with a level look. Even so, the perceptive might catch a flash of ire in that glance-- there and gone, like distant lightning in the night sky. Then his lips curve again, faintly, and the young man draws breath to say, "I'm sorry, Weyrwoman, but we shouldn't speak of particulars until your compeer agrees to the generalities. We'd thought this an openly beneficial arrangement-- your riders carry us out to trade when the weather would otherwise keep us bound in, and we provide you with another stream of income that doesn't depend upon the gratitude of the Holds for past services. If that doesn't strike your fancy..."

Josilina bobs her head in a couple slow nods at Jendayi's answer, remarking, "It would have to be specifically laid out in the contract, what ...factors, or specific time slots would bracket those months. Just so no one on either side, in the future, sees it as open to weird interpretations." As the trader answers R'din she scribbles something on a hide and slides it over to the Weyrleader. "You /do/ offer us more than that," she points out. "If we do get a good working relationship, that is. It's not more than we'd offer you at the same time - being able to vouch for one another. But it is something, and beneficial. For both of us." The last she states with some emphasis, glancing sidelong at R'hin. "And marks could be useful, in the Interval. I don't suppose you deal in bulk? A working discount deal in, say, buckles, might be something."

You sense Josilina pushes the hide your way and scribbled in loopy writing is: "Marks *would* be good for Interval. If there're probs. with Holds or anything. Or extra riders, cause they're not dying so much."

"The percentage can be negotiated," R'hin says, "And marks are not off the table. But there is something else we would require in addition." He glances down at the note, sidelong at the Weyrwoman for a beat, and then focuses on Jendayi, pushing his glass to one side as he leans forward. "We require the diplomacy and good will of the Dijilia. Under this agreement, you will be able to trade with every Hold, every Hall, every Weyr during a time when every other trader is tied to the one place. We would hope," a brief smile, "That you would speak well of the Weyr and its denizens. However, more of the moment, that you would smooth over any issues you might encounter, soothe any ruffled feathers against the Weyr - and inform us of such matters. The currency of the moment is not monetary, Dijilia, but public opinion." Vertai is offered a genial smile, "I agree with the generalities, Dijilia. It is the particulars of the deal I wish to alter. Of course, there are other trading families who might be interested in such a deal."

Leiventh> Lhiannonth senses that Leiventh's tones are bright with crimson strikes, idle attention on the meeting as he passes one, « Mine says, the good will of the Holders would also be good for the Interval. » A pause, as he passes on the word with puzzlement, under the assurances yours will understand: « Diplomacy. »

Leiventh senses that Lhiannonth's mindpresence seems to twang with a faint surprise - faint enough that it would seem, complete with a spray of signature bright green, to echo from her rider. « Mine agrees. She thought of the same, but says yours has put it more clearly than she was able. She is glad he has. »

Jendayi's gaze slides to Vertai and his expression is read, the girl's own gone thoughtful. When her focus returns to the weyrleading pair, a smile has been plucked from thin air to cover whatever had passed between the traders. There is gratitude there, for Josilina's intervention, and sympathy, for R'hin's concerns. A graceful shift, resting easily over her bold features. "Of course, Weyrwoman. I had included suggestions for these things and more within these contracts, we need only agree on the specifics..." She trails off then, forehead rumpling when her brows sweep up to express some surprise for the bronzerider's demands. "Have I heard you correctly, Weyrleader? You wish us to...inform you of those who speak against the Weyr? I am prepared to offer that we might be commissioned to bargain for the bulk items we do not deal in, at the Weyr's requests and to its needs. But what you describe is not the business of traders. We do not deal in manufacturing whispers of good-will, or delivering rumors."

Leiventh> Lhiannonth senses that Leiventh sends low, thrumming response, echoing his rider's pleasure with the agreement. « Mine still thinks as a trader does, now and then. »

Vertai follows the Weyrleader's glance to Jendayi, and his own lingers there. Something about R'hin's intent study of the trader girl casts a subtle blanch over features usually steeped in shadow-- a sour expression that he covers by draining the rest of his glass and carefully setting it aside. "Certainly, Weyrleader, we would speak well of any business partner who opened the avenues you've described," he says slowly, thinking as he goes. "But you seem to be in the market for emissaries." His smile for the man is almost apologetic. "Plying our trade, we'll have little time for diplomatic visits. Perhaps it's something your wingriders can look into, with all the hours on their hands this Interval."

Josilina jumps in here, quick enough that she's trying to weigh in before her Weyrleader or maybe the two are actually managing to coordinate. "We would never want to manipulate the Dijilia, or ask you to spread word with a - purposeful, or manipulative intent. But," she thins her lips in a brief, thoughtful pause, "there are those who don't take so kindly to Weyrs and riders, out of natural prejudice. It's like what I said about being able to vouch for one another. If we were to enter into this, the Weyr would hope that we could be - public allies, I suppose. It would be good for the Weyr, for those prejudiced to see non-riders friendly with us, in a trusting relationship. We ask that you'd be willing to be publically acknowledged alongside us, and as allies speak well of us, and stand up for us, in our absence. And, as friends, let us know if trouble might be stirring in our area, so we're not caught off-guard." She takes a muffin from the bowl and picks at it, smiling cheerfully, "We would, of course, speak similarly of and for the Dijilia. Which could benefit your business."

"You heard me," R'hin responds, palms flat against the table, eyes shifting from Jendayi to Vertai and back again. "You act shocked, Dijilia. What would you think we will do with the information? Burn down cotholds? Raid Halls? You of all people," there's an edge to his voice now, lurking anger, "Understand the difficult position an Interval places us in. Good will only extends so far. We must do what we can to ensure that in two hundred Turns time, we do not have another massing of Lord Holders at our walls. A whispered word of warning, and talk could have evaded such a course." A beat, "No? That is the trade of Harpers. And diplomats." He leans back, deliberately, eyes on Josilina with a slow nod, the brief respite soothing away any traces of anger. Vertai's comment is met by a considering look. "You will be flying with High Reaches Weyr riders. You do not think that makes you emissaries? That you will not be viewed as such? As the Weyrwoman states, such an arrangement would be of benefit to both of us."

Jendayi picks her way cautiously through this sudden kink, words chosen with a care that speaks of her wish to avoid offending. "If we had no respect for High Reaches, we would not consider such an arrangement. What we have offered you is something I have no heard of other traders doing, and that speaks well for you among our kind...once they recover from the shock of such a relationship being forged. They will likely kick themselves for not thinking of it first." Here she offers a wan smile. "As the Weyrwoman describes it, we would be pleased to be publically acknowledged as partners to you. To claim you as allies. But..." The girl pauses here, obviously considering how best to phrase what she says next. She pauses, she taps her fingers against the plane of her broad chin, and finally she looks to R'hin, dark eyes meeting light. "You describe something rather different, Weyrleader. You do not demand respect. Good will is not scribed in contracts. The strength of an untarnished name...you may reap the advantages of being associated with that, as you would by being tied to the Dijilia, but you do not order it to you. My family's honor is not for sale." With that she rises. "Perhaps some time is needed for all of us to consider how best to continue this arrangement."

Leiventh senses that Lhiannonth's tones ripple with an urgency picked up from her rider, glints of silver amongst waves of dove gray, « Mine asks that yours please stops angering the traders. She says it would be best to convince them to do as we would like through good graces, not ordering them to do as they don't wish. »

Leiventh> Lhiannonth senses that Leiventh's rippling crimsons bespeak his rider's sudden agitation, soothed after a moment by the wave of the queen's mindtones. « Mine tries. He does not do it deliberately. » A beat, « Not this time, anyway. »

Vertai keeps his features carefully schooled throughout the girl's speech. His eyes on her are a silent tumult, however, from the purity of gold to the smudge of tarnished brass. When she rises, he does as well, collecting his thoughts with the tubes arrayed on the table, face hidden by a dark tangle of hair. At last he looks from Weyrleader to Weyrwoman, smiling but thinly so-- it's the essence of professional cheer. "You'll forgive my saying so-- Weyrleader, Weyrwoman-- but I could wish that you two might reach an agreement on what precisely you'd like of us in return for your hospitality and transport. There is all the difference in the world between soothing ruffled feathers and commending your wisdom as business partners." A pause for breath. "You have our opening offer. We'll be here for awhile yet, and will wait for your counter-proposal."

Josilina becomes the third to rise, following close on the heels of the traders. "I do apologize for the difficulties we seem to have reached. I do suspect that it's an issue of - miscommunication, and I'm sorry the Weyrleader and I did not prearrange the phrasings of our views beforehand." She manages to glance only briefly at R'hin during that, keeping the majority of her focus trained on the traders. "I think you're both right in saying some time would be helpful; for us to talk, and for you too. I hope you'll take some time to consider the - spirit of what we're putting forth, even if we've not phrased it as articulately as we hope to. We would like to keep negotiations open, and hopefully meet again, as I still do think a relationship between High Reaches and the Dijilia would be beneficial for both of us, with the right terms."

R'hin meets the Dijilia woman's gaze, hint of anger there. "You misapprehend me. I do not demand respect. I ask that issues be brought to our attention, that we might see them clear before they become something untenable. Something I hope -allies- would do." The mention of family honor earns a stiffening from the Weyrleader, gaze darkening considerably in indignation as he, too, rises. Oddly for him, he keeps his tongue even though his expression suggests a wish otherwise, glance shifting sidelong to Josilina, pale eyes on the Weyrwoman for a time. A brief, sharp nod is all that's offered to the traders.

Jendayi retrieves the empty tube from Vertai's clutches, returning the hide she still holds to its place inside and replacing the cap. This is then tapped absently against one palm while she regards the riders. "As do I, Weyrwoman. We will reflect on the...additional terms you've offered. If you will pardon my suggesting this, perhaps it will be best to consider that proposal separate from the matter of trade. So as to avoid any confusion. A blurring of the edges, if you will." She inclines her sun-streaked head to Josilina and allows her gaze to fix once again on R'hin when straightening. Her brows knit down over her eyes- confusion, a hint of caution. Jen doesn't appear sure of what to make of the bronzerider's swing in mood. "Good evening to both of you. Thank you for your time."

"It is hard to write down the spirit of a thing," Vertai puts in, his smile for them now of the feather-soothing breed. "We're traders and not used to the vagaries of politics. I would hate to be found in breach of a contract I didn't understand." Eyes of gold flick between the Weyrleading pair, as if measuring a distance between them more than merely physical. "If you'll pardon a suggestion, in your counter-proposal you may wish to specify the responsibilities you would require." He turns, then, and his trim fingers find Jendayi's shoulder. "Weyrleader, Weyrwoman. Our best to yours." A tension in his arm, and the young man steers his partner towards the exit.

"Of course," Josilina half-murmurs, lips thinned, and it looks like even she may be biting her tongue now. But she manages a smile for the departing traders, inclining her head, "And ours to yours. We'll be in touch."

R'hin's hands fold behind his back, countenance nothing if not polite as he waits for the pair of traders to depart. His head half turns, but he says nothing, his stance shifting only slightly as he leans his weight back.

Jendayi goes home. Jendayi has left.

Vertai goes home. Vertai has left.

Josilina lets out a long, heavy breath once the traders are well clear of the exit, and flops back into her chair. "Well." She declares, staring straight ahead and not at R'hin. "That could have gone better." She glances sideways now, a little concerned, "Did they say something, towards the end - ? You looked like you were going to bite your tongue in half."

R'hin waits until the steps of the traders has past out of hearing before he turns away from the table, pacing up and down the length of the chamber, anger visibly tensing every line of his body. A sharp look is given the Weyrwoman, softening after a beat with a sharp exhale of breath. "She accused me of attempting to tarnish their families' honor." He stops by his chair, one hand on the back, less angry but still agitated. "You didn't seem particularly happy at something yourself."

Josilina tracks the pacing Weyrleader, still slumped in her chair. "I'd offer you something to break, but there isn't much of anything in here. I think I have a stuffie in my bag if you'd like." She straightens, propping her elbows on the tabletop, "Well. You did come off a bit, mercenary. Made it sound like we'd be making them pay off a debt by being our little lackeys." She shifts to continue facing him as he stops at his chair, shrugging, "The man - Vertai - rubbed me a little wrong towards the end. And traders know more of politics than he's admitting. I mean, trading /is/ politics, in a lot of ways. He was just trying to make us look worse." She pauses, then adds, "Though I'm sure he didn't mean it /that/ badly."

A bemused sort of look is eventually followed by a low chuckle, brief, but it does seem to ease a lot of the Weyrleader's agitation. "They are traders. If we offer a hard deal at the outset, they're more likely to take a lesser deal that is more like what we require." He leans against the back of the chair, glancing towards the exit. "He does that to others, not just yourself. M'wen has doubts of their motives." A twitch of shoulders, before he adds, "Vertai knew exactly what he was doing. He did it deliberately. They are prideful, I think, and prefer not to be of the opinion that they rely on our riders-- rather that they do -us- a favor."

"The idea is that it's an exchange, not a favor on either side," Josilina points out, reaching down to pluck at her muffin. "And I like Jendayi. I think she's smart, and honest. I don't /know/ Vertai. I sort of wish I did, before this." She considers things - or the muffin, from where she's looking - before musing, "I don't think a hard deal's the way to go. If we were trading, sure. But this is more - a contract, you know? I think we have to come off as nicer, and like it's more friendly. Because ultimately, it should be." Of course, according to Jos, everything would be better if it were done "nice".

R'hin nods in agreement of the goldrider's opinion, "She's smart. Maybe you would find it of benefit to talk to her before our next meeting? Woman to woman?" His lips curve upwards, "After all, you have the corner on nice, Josilina." It's intended as compliment, accompanied by a deeper smile. It fades, however, as she brings the topic back to the contract, and he leans over the seat to grab his glass, carrying it with him as he resumes pacing. "I was hoping they would see the benefits, and agree. Marks are well and good, but we need -more- than that to see us through the next two hundred Turns." Another turn takes him past the Weyrwoman, as he admits reluctantly, "You're right, of course."

"I like being nice," Josilina seems content to take it as complimentary. She's moved on to not just taking apart the muffin but dissecting it, removing the dried berries from it best she can. "See, that's the thing. They'll see the benefits - they /do/ see them. It's just how you put it. I mean, they were agreeing with me, a bit, right?" She looks to the bronzerider for confirmation. "S'cause I made it sound like it'd be something they'd /decide/ to do. Be our friends, so of /course/ they'll say nice things about us, and tell us if a Holder's planning some kind of coup. They keep their dignity that way, rather than, you know, they owe us so they have to spy for us and say pretty things." She shrugs, eating one of the berries, "And honestly? I bet we could swing some marks too that way, 'cause it sounds more like an act of kindness than a bargain. And the marks /wouldn't/ go amiss."

"No," R'hin disagrees, "What they said was they'll say nice things about us, but if someone was plotting a coup, they -wouldn't- do it. They don't... trade in rumors. While the first is nice, both would be better." He takes a sip of the water, pacing the length of the chamber before turning again. "The marks wouldn't go amiss. But being our ally is something that would come out of the deal naturally, as they would rely on us. We need more. We need diplomats." Agitation is visible again, though less strong.

Josilina frowns a little, eyebrows knitting, "Do we really need diplomats /that/ badly? I mean, I think it's more valuable anyway, if people we make alliances with do things like that out of genuine goodwill towards us. And we're not, that I'm aware of, in any immediate danger of horrible relationships with our Crafts and Holds. They still remember Thread. And Jendayi, I thought, did say something about agreeing to terms as I said them. And I did mention telling us things." She shrugs, "But you're right, they might not agree if it's laid out more clearly than in a big speech thing from me." Tapping the berry pile thoughtfully she wonders, "Maybe we should look for diplomats elsewhere, if we really want them. Though I'm still not convinced we need such strong ones."

"Yes." R'hin's vehement. The pacing ceases, and he moves to his seat next to Josilina, leaning forward, baritone intent and low, "I know my weaknesses, Weyrwoman. I demonstrated them tonight. You don't think a diplomat would have been able to broker a deal to the satisfaction of both, getting what we wanted? I think that's -exactly- what we need." He exhales slowly, setting aside his glass, fingers tapping at the table's top for a moment. "Maybe, if you can get her to agree, you and Jendayi should work the deal."

Josilina's eyebrows loft towards her hairline, "Is /that/ what this is about?" She shakes her head, shifting to face R'hin full-on. "R'hin, you're the /Weyrleader/. I mean, sure, you could have done better tonight. But even if you hired a hundred diplomats, you'd still have to do something like this now and again. All it takes is time." She shakes her head again, "Shells, my first few meetings? /Horrible/. And that's after I'd spent Turns as a junior. I mean," she rolls her eyes, "in my first sevenday after Lord Nabol asked me how Matheny was doing, I told him she still had a hole in her shoulder, but was healing okay and would hopefully be back on the job in a couple months, which was good because I was no good with stodgy Holders. Anyway," she sets her hands on the table, palms down, "you don't need diplomats here, if you need them. Your Weyrseconds are very good, and I daresay I've improved a bit. And you will too, eventually. But," she concedes with a nod, "I wouldn't object to working this deal with Jendayi. If only to avoid Vertai, and it seems like you have a history with both of them that doesn't help."

"This is about the Weyr. It's not about a few meetings. It's about our -future-," frustration raises R'hin's voice, a little more sharp than he means, and he catches himself. "Marks are well and good, but tradition says that the Holders and Crafters will continue to tithe to us. They'll start to resent us - it's inevitable, with Thread gone for so long. If we had diplomats to gauge mood, keep the peace, smooth over a hundred little trifles-- I don't know about you, but I don't fancy spending my time doing that." He leans back in his chair, running hands through his hair, head down. "We have understanding. That's meant to be enough," he murmurs. "Make the deal with Jendayi. Vertai will only make mention of us as purposeless beasts of burden, and however true that may be, we have to step carefully on this. Even -I- know that." Tone is wry.

Josilina waves both hands a little vaguely in the air, "Okay, okay - no, you're right. That's something that's good to plan ahead for. I agree. I think the traders could /become/ those diplomats, though, as long as we don't tell them they have to be." She hesitates, "'Course, there's no guarentee, if we do it that way, and so that's a risk. It might be better to find someone not the Traders to do that. I don't know who," she measures her words slowly, "but we might be able to find someone. But I do think ideally, it could be done just through friendly alliances. Those just take longer to mature. But they're worth more, in the end." She hesitates again, unsure, "What do you mean, understanding?" She adds, a little dry, "Vertai will have a pile of trouble to deal with, even if we do sign a contract, if he calls us beasts of burden around the other riders."

"Maybe," R'hin's a little more cautious of the traders, now. "I think, though, they have an agenda all their own." He straightens, smile wry as pale gaze flickers over Josilina's features. "Vertai and I don't have friendship, but we have understanding. He and I are alike in some ways, which is undoubtedly why we don't get on all that well." A twitch of lips and a nod agrees with her, "Many will object to it existing at all, voluntarily basis, marks, or no. It's not.. -tradition-. They'll blame me. You should let them."

Josilina grins, a little wry, "Funny. I think Jendayi and I have some common ground, which is why we -do- get along." She shrugs, "In any event, I think she and I may be able to fiddle things out, if she's agreeable to it. She may not want to work without Vertai, they seem very attached." She shakes her head firmly at his last, "No. I mean, I can't stop people from blaming who they will, but shards, I /agree/ with you on this. And what's more, if the Weyrleaders can't provide a united front, the whole place will fall apart. And you need people to trust you more now, than I do."

"They do," R'hin agrees, reaching over the table to steal one of the berries from Josilina's plate. His voice lacks the frustration of earlier, but is no less vehement for all that, "You need people to trust -you- more than they do me. They -don't- trust me. They hold to the hope that when Lhiannonth rises next, Dzurath will catch her again. If people believe in you, at least, that's something. A united front works when there's support. I'll never have it," he says, tone blandly honest.

"Not entirely true," Josilina asserts, taking on a more relaxed posture in her chair. "I've been keeping my ears open, and the most I've heard are some grumblings from Wingleaders, who grumble about /any/ changes that happen. Ever." She picks up some of the muffin-part of the muffin, content to leave him the berries. "A lot of folks don't have anything against you. And Lhia might not rise again for a long time. It's the Interval, it doesn't happen often. -And,-" she seems triumphant presenting a -third- point, "a united front will help them support you. Folks who trust me will trust you if they see I do, and vice versa."

Silence for a while. Eventually, R'hin levels pale gaze on Josilina, expression intent, voice taut, "Are you sure -you- want to trust me?"

Josilina pauses, giving the question the consideration it's tone merits, but her nod comes confidently. "I do. I /want/ to trust you, and I /do/. You've got rough edges, but everyone does." Just when it looks like she might leave it at that she adds, "And it's not just me trusting Lhia's choice, you know. It was that, at first. But you're smart, and you see things the Weyr needs. You're right for it."

"Okay." Faint at first, then with more assurance, R'hin nods. "Okay." He doesn't look particularly happy about it, but he is accepting. "I'm glad you said I had rough edges, else I'd know you were lying," he says, lips curving upwards as he pushes up from the table. "You'll give my regards to R'sel?"

"I don't lie," Josilina crinkles the tip of her nose in distate, "it's not nice." She returns his smile, her's quirked a little crooked, "Of course. He - didn't really charge his bar tab on you, did he?" She grimaces, chuckling, "He says he did, but with him, I can never tell."

There's a faint hint of bemusement at her mention of never lying, though R'hin doesn't comment on it. He steps around the chair, pausing with hand on the back to chuckle. "I haven't had any irate bartenders after me to pay a bill. Did he do the same with S'rist?"

Josilina shrugs, gathering her hides up, "I don't know, to tell the truth. I think - and you can't tell him this! But I think he was too afraid S'rist would punch him or something. Ex-guard, you know," she says with a chuckle. "But he may've. I wouldn't put it past him. In any case, if he did, you can always charge it back to me."

"Your secret is safe with me. Maybe I'll just make him buy me a drink." R'hin's amused, if the glitter of pale eyes is any indication. "Good night, Josilina." He tips his head towards her by way of parting respect, walking towards the ledge.

Josilina laughs and calls a, "'Night, R'hin," in the bronzerider's wake.

You walk out onto the Weyrleaders' ledges.