Difference between revisions of "Logs:An Optimistic Transfer"

>---< Council Chambers, High Reaches Weyr(#364RIJs) >------------------------<

  At the heart of this oblong cavern is its meeting table: a long hardwood  
  oval with a mirror's dark shine, High Reaches' sigil picked out in lapis  
  and onyx at its center. Twenty chairs surround it, each softened by an    
  embroidered cushion that's just a little too stiff for complete comfort --
  meetings need to be kept short, after all -- with the chair at the table's
  head, facing the ledge, being somewhat larger than the rest.              
                                                                            
  Interspersed between glowsconces upon the smooth walls, ancient tapestries
  depict the territories High Reaches protects in a particularly pastoral   
  fashion, all fluffy clouds and fluffier llamas, or else fishing crafts    
  sailing merrily out to sea. Among them is also a natural alcove, its      
  several wooden shelves primarily stocking fine wines and liquors as well  
  as the glasses to serve them, though the lower shelves also hold whatever 
  hidework requires particularly frequent attention.                        
                                                                            
  A narrow wooden door leads to the Records room, while the tunnel that     
  extends to the weyrleaders' ledge is wide enough for three men to walk    
  abreast, with just enough kink in it to block the wind.                   
                                 +views available                           
                                                                            

 -----------------------------< Active Players >-----------------------------
  J'sae        M  25  6'2"  wiry, brown hair, hazel eyes                  0s 
  K'del        M  37  6'4"  slender, toffee hair, baby blue eyes          6s

Zajeth's arrival to High Reaches Weyr mid-morning was a hard thing to miss. His dazzling presence shamelessly exploding into the Weyr's shared mindspace with, « Well, hellooo you! » which could have been any of them, and struck up more than one conversation immediately. J'sae's own arrival outside the council chambers is wholly the opposite. If he hadn't been expected, no one might ever have known he was there with the way he leans quietly against the exterior wall, hands in his pockets, shoulders curled forward lending his tall frame a thoroughly unassuming look. Fortunately, the last one exiting from the previous meeting seems to know that if he was out here, he was to be sent in and so, promptly, and with a half-smile and shy nod of thanks to that helpful rider, the Southerner makes his way into the cavern. His hands come out of his pockets at the last moment, just as he crosses into the room, and he stops just inside to salute respectfully, "Weyrleader K'del," has no doubt in it - indeed, there's too many signs that point to this man's identity beyond that that's who he was to meet.

Cadejoth was, it may be safely said, amused by Zajeth's arrival, if somewhat bewildered by it, too; a fun toy, but... well, okay. Sure. He's long since lost interest and moved on to other pursuits-- a dragon does need to entertain himself while his rider goes on and on about such boring meetings. K'del's not bored, though. K'del's scribbling down some notes following that previous meeting, an ink spot on his hand slowly spreading to his cheek as he props his chin up above the page. "Won't be a minute," he reassures J'sae without glancing up. "Make yourself comfortable."

Cadejoth doesn't know the half of it... yet. Since Zajeth is here to stay, there's no need to rush that acquaintance. Making his rider's acquaintance cannot similarly be left to marinate in mystery and J'sae has a simple nod as acknowledgement. One nice thing about some crafters is that they appreciate the value of uninterrupted work time. The wiry bluerider makes himself comfortable by shrugging out of his khaki-and-fawn colored riding jacket, draping it on the back of a chair and settling in. While K'del finishes an avidly curious gaze takes in the surroundings.

K'del does not, at least, take long. As he glances up, he's in time to see that curiousity, which draws a smile into position upon his mouth. "Spent much time at High Reaches?" he wants to know, rolling back his shoulders as he straightens and stretches. "J'sae. J'sae and Zajeth. Woodcrafter." His curiosity is focused upon the bluerider, pale eyes considering him thoughtfully.

J'sae's return look is sheepish, as if he were caught in something of a questionable nature. For the bluerider, that something seems to be: "Not much. Just a few times, really, after I heard about Tundra-- to talk to some of the wingriders and find out if it was everything the rumors were making it seem." Though still embarrassed, the bluerider's smile is warm and open despite whatever reservations he might have about his actions. "Jase, if you-- well, J'sae is fine too." He's a little bumbling in that offer, but do you really tell the Weyrleader they can call you what your friends do? "Woodcrafter," seems to be the lifeline to hook into. "At least until two turns ago in two days." Moving is practically a turnday present for Zajeth.

K'del sets down his pen, apparently still unaware of the ink mark on his chin, and presses his lips together while nodding. "Mm," he agrees. "It's not a long time to ride for a place before departing. But," he adds, after a moment's pause, "I understand that it's not quite as simple as that, and Tundra is an experiment we're eager to do more with. Suppose my question is... what happens if Tundra isn't everything you've hoped for?"

The question prompts a nervous laugh from J'sae, almost a 'I knew this was coming' laugh. "Sorry," is apology for that laughter. "It's just that Zajeth asked the same when I suggested it." The smile that comes is a familiar thing to many riders, the fondness for one's lifemate, the smile that says 'I wouldn't trade him for the world.' "We reasoned that every attempt made to allow dragonriders to craft and train in crafting is a good attempt. Not every experiment works. I've been through enough practice wood to be able to know the truth of that." That's a little wry before his tone turns serious again, "But if we-- riders-- never try to gain ground in that arena, we'll definitely never get any. Trying is worth more to me than coming to terms with being a traditional rider for the rest of my life. It may come to that, but I've not given up that my craft can still be more than just a hobby." There's a moment and then he's asking, "Do you think I should let the ties I have to my Craft wither with time and distance because I haven't ridden for the Weyr that shelled Zajeth or try to help a good cause that I believe in, even if it means uprooting the life I was building there?"

There's something in K'del's expression that suggests he's hoping for more than a stock standard answer... and something, too, that implies he's pleased with what he's received. "Mmm," he confirms. "That's fair. Believe me, it's not that we're trying to discourage you." After all, they'd not have approved the transfer if that were the case. "But it helps to know that the riders coming in are here for good reason, and not just to chase something elusive."

The way that J'sae nods indicates appreciation of the 'why' of it. Probably, he's had to defend one theory or idea verbally before which equips him well enough for this conversation. "Sir, you have ink on your chin." He drops that casually before moving right along to say, "Not every rider who would want to transfer is in the position that I am. Most journeymen don't Impress. While I'm smart enough to know that I don't know everything and can't and still have a lot of turns of experience to gain, especially as a rider," and there's an inclination of his head that seems to recognize that that kind of life experience is something K'del has plenty more of, "but I'm also old enough and experienced enough to have faced some of the realities of life. I'm here to chase something elusive, but if I don't catch it the first try, I'll hope the Weyr ends up open to trying again." Then, "And again," and, "And again." By the last one, he's grinning. Obviously, one would hope that many 'agains' weren't necessary, but...

Ink. Chin. It takes K'del a few moments to actually register what the bluerider is telling him; when he does, he doesn't flush but there's a somewhat guilty, awkward look to his expression as he attempts to wipe it up with his fingers, largely ineffectively. "Mm," is what he says, bypassing ink-stains to consider the rest. Maybe he doesn't grin, but there's something satisfied to his expression nonetheless as he allows, "That's certainly the intention. It's all an experiment... but it's gratifying to see that there's interest. Have you spoken to R'vel much?"

"Still there," is especially apologetic since J'sae was making every effort to nonchalantly ignore K'del's cleaning needs. Once again, it's moved away from quickly. "Not as yet. It seemed-- presumptuous to approach the wingleader before I'd spoken to the Weyrleader. Couldn't have done him much good in Ista." The man straightens a little. "I'm sure he'll tell me his thoughts, sir, but would you tell me from your perspective," a hand indicates the room and K'del himself, the Weyrleader's perspective, "what would be most helpful for me to be doing once I'm settled in? Do you have a representative to speak to WoodCraft?" It doesn't sound like J'sae is angling for the position, simply collecting data about what the Weyr has and what they need.

K'del's slow, careful nod distracts him from his efforts to clean-- perhaps he's given up. "R'vel will be able to fill you in on the details," he says. "I've let him know that you'll be his as of tomorrow; expect him to wish to sit down with you. We're liaising with our posted Journeymen for the most part, but there have been negotiations with the crafts, too, on a limited level. It's an... ongoing process."

J'sae bobs his head to indicate his understanding. Evidently, he's smart enough not to push, saying only, "I'll look forward to meeting with him, sir," with sincerity. "I appreciate you accepting my transfer, giving me this chance." That, too, is meant, though J'sae doesn't seem inclined toward shows of emotion.

"Mm," says K'del, with a slow, careful nod. "We're glad to have you. I'll get someone to show you to the headwoman's office; she can give you your weyr assignment, and help you get settled in. R'vel will be in contact tomorrow." Across the table, he slides a simple bluerider's knot, and a Tundra wing patch. "Welcome to High Reaches, bluerider."

The way J'sae looks at K'del, briefly, is as one might examine an intricate knot, trying to follow the trail to where the tangle happened, but there's no comment on whatever prompted that look. Instead he rises easily and reaches to take the knot from the table picking up his flight jacket and placing it where there had been none before before slipping it on. "Thank you, sir." He keeps it simple, a brief glance toward the door and a lift of brows asking silently if he's dismissed. He might not be an experienced rider, but at least he seems to be a respectful one.

"Good luck," is K'del's means of dismissal, evidently. His expression is thoughtful... but he's also already dropping his attention back towards his work.