Logs:People With Things To Hide
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| RL Date: 28 May, 2013 |
| Who: Aishani, Madilla |
| Involves: High Reaches Weyr |
| Type: Log |
| What: Aishani and Madilla catch up, discussing both Lord Devaki and crafter representation. |
| Where: Hatching Galleries, High Reaches Weyr |
| When: Day 27, Month 11, Turn 31 (Interval 10) |
| Mentions: Devaki/Mentions |
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| Hatching Galleries, High Reaches Weyr Ringing the southwestern side of the hatching sands are ample tiers of carved stone benches, the lowest of which is some six feet off the ground -- just high enough to separate wayward hatchlings from unwary viewers, and vice versa. A metal railing on the outside helps prevent anyone from falling off; it also extends up the stairs that lead the way higher into the galleries. While most of the area is open seating, ropes section off some of the closer tiers when dignitaries are expected; those areas even feature cushions in the Weyr's blue and black. The higher one climbs, the more apparent the immense scale of the entire cavern becomes. The dragon-sized entrance on the ground is dwarfed by the expansive golden sands that glitter in the light. Everything on them is easily visible from the galleries, whether that's a clutch of eggs and a broody queen, or simply its emptiness and the handful of darker tunnels that lead to more private areas than the bowl. Wherever one sits or looks, however, one thing is constant: the overwhelming, suffocating heat. No clutch on the sands and none coming, but that doesn't stop people from haunting the galleries, especially as the winter draws nearer and the temperature drops. There's scattered twos and threes working, eating, or discussing things quietly - there's a fair amount to discuss, after all. Aishani doesn't seem to have been doing any of the above, just coming up from the hatching sands proper to find her jacket, discarded on the first tier of seats, and what's likely a skin of water. A little flushed, she might need it. The hatching grounds aren't likely to be on Madilla's way to or from anywhere, but perhaps 'warm' is enough reason for her arrival, too. She's just making her way in from the bowl when Aishani comes off the sands, and so it's not surprising that green eyes are drawn to the goldrider, lingering there as the healer emerges the rest of the way from the tunnel. One hand drapes over the edge of the railing at the steps, and there she hesitates, seeking to greet Aishani with her smile before she says, "You'll have half the Weyr convinced Iesaryth's about to rise, if you spend too long here. Hello, Aishani. You're well, I hope?" Wryly, "I won't deny that there's probably not some wishful thinking in all this, but as long as neither of us are sleeping a lot, I think we're still a little way off." Aishani uncaps the waterskin to take a drink before continuing, while offering it the healer's way, "But it's always nice to give them something else to talk about." Her dark eyes brighten briefly, at least taking the gossip less-than-seriously for the time being. "Tired, but well enough, Madilla. Yourself? I heard we had no injuries from rescuing the ship that was attacked - I'm glad for that little bit of luck." The shake of Madilla's head turns down the offer of waterskin, as she turns, leaning her body up against the railing behind her so that she can face the other woman (and only partially block the stairs). "It's only just over a turn since she rose last," she supposes. "Which is a-- I'm sorry, I probably shouldn't say a terrible thought. That it could be turns and turns. I don't imagine anyone wants to think of it like that." And no doubt, her expression implies, especially not Aishani. "As am I. We were at the Hold, at the time. It was-- concerning. It's a relief to know things went as well as they could. I'm well. The cold that was sweeping through my staff seems to have finished with them, thankfully." After another quick drink, setting the water down, "Oh, I know. I've thought of it, trust me. I think everyone can agree that it'd be nice if one of them were quick about it. Sometimes, I don't know that I care which it is." Aishani's a little wry for that as well as folds her arms, leaning against the railing as well. Nodding over to the sands, she notes, "I just like to check the walls now and then. Paranoia, I'm sure, but so many strange things have happened... best to be aware of surroundings. And concerning to say the least." Fine brows come together in a frown, as she admits, "I was worried that one of the weyrlings might be injured, rider or dragon. Nice about the cold, though. In time for it to sweep through the Weyr, no doubt. I'll see if we can put out oranges for breakfast a bit more." Just in case. Madilla's own smile is wry for that first remark, her nod confirming what the other woman says. "I'm sure. It's-- I think everyone would just like the stability of it, one way or another." Her expression is less easy to read as she turns her head to glance around the cavern, towards the walls that have been mentioned, but her words remain even enough. "I suppose a little paranoia never hurt anyone. Mm, that would be good. The oranges, I mean. I suppose it's heading for that time of turn. Fresh fruit does seem to brighten up even the darkest winter, too." Her gaze slides back to the goldrider; she's silent for several seconds, as if deliberating over something. Then, "What's your take on Lord Devaki? If you don't mind me asking." "The dragons, too... Some say, at least. I don't know; it's hard for me to tell. I've never really known what it's like." To be a dragonrider under a senior queen, without something weird going on with it. "But for at Monaco, I suppose. But she was so young." Aishani's gaze is briefly distant, as if she might be able to pick out some bit of that sensation if she tries hard enough - but it's an effort quickly abandoned with a shake of her head. With a brief smile, "Perhaps a couple of trips South wouldn't be out of the question over the winter, then. The winter does get dark, and it would be nice to have something for people to be pleased about." She smirks; as if that's rare enough. The question does sober her a touch, and dark gaze considers Madilla for a moment before, "I think he's ambitious, and not afraid to make enemies. And that can be dangerous." A pause. "I also find it interesting that he's made no attempt to address rumors he's certainly in a position to handle. He spent some time here, I know. Did you know him well?" No weight to the question - she's wondering why she's wondering. "I imagine so," agrees Madilla, though she has even less of an idea of what it might be like. Still, no doubt she can imagine to some degree. "That sounds like a good idea. With no eggs on the sand, and the weyrlings old enough to travel - it's easier, this turn." Answering these give her time to compose her voice to neutrality for the rest, though there's something in her expression that is not quite secrecy, but certainly implies that the answer means something important to her. "We were friends, when he lived here," she says, evenly enough. "But he was just... one of the exiles, then. Islanders. He claimed Blood, and I believed him, but I never... expected all of this. It feels strange, to have seen someone progress so far, even from a distance. I don't know." Thoughtful, "The weyrlings would likely welcome the opportunity, really. And the ones that don't... well. I'd like to see them broaden their horizons a bit. It's also actually a useful trip... I'll speak to the Weyrlingmasters." It's probably easier with double the amount of weyrlings available for fruit-gathering besides. Aishani seems pleased with that idea at least - and though Madilla's shift in expression has her interested, she's not terribly suspicious of the healer, it seems. Her head tilts as she regards the older woman, folding her arms loosely. "I've found if you want something badly enough, there's little that you won't do to make it happen. Some people are more driven than others. I... I have a sense that what happened isn't the end game. There's more going on. But..." A flicker of a smile, a gesture to the hatching grounds' walls. Paranoia doesn't mean they aren't out to get you, though. Although obviously approving of the fruit-gathering excursion, Madilla is distracted enough by the rest of the conversation that she does nothing more than nod - once, twice, even a third time, but still, no words to accompany it. Her arms cross in front of her, fingers twisting about the wool of the shawl she wears beneath her coat, a gesture that could be protective, for all that her expression remains impassive. "He didn't murder Seani," she says, quietly. "But I don't know what else he might have done, to get where he is. Or had done. I don't know. He cares about his people. His family. And... we'll have to see, I suppose." The corners of her mouth twitch, the distant cousin of a smile. "I suppose he's just another strong-willed Lord Holder for you to deal with; just the newest one. As I understand it, none of them should be underestimated. It was... just a surprise. To hear." Carefully, "I certainly know what it is to have people... exaggerate your sins. In the end, it is difficult to combat a rumor. There's such a thing as protesting too much." Aishani's gaze might flicker to Madilla's twisting fingers, but she doesn't comment on them, merely notes, "Probably nothing that any of the other Lord Holders haven't done or let people do to keep them where they are. Maybe more or less. The alliance with Tillek along with this is definitely interesting, but... yes, in the end, just another person to watch our backs with." She offers an easy smile, but adds, "If something seems odd, do pass it along though, yes? And I think the only people that weren't surprised were the conclave. I need better spies, apparently." An eyeroll. Madilla's, "Mmm," is quiet, and verging on non-committal: not approval, not disapproval, not support or lack thereof, though there's no doubt from her expression that she understands. "Of course," she confirms. "I'll certainly pass on anything I see." It's not impossible to take from that the implication that she might be in a position to see more than most - but it's a long shot. Instead, "I don't think he's a man who lets much slip. He holds his cards close. Even so." "I always did, when I had more to hide." Aishani has a slight smile for that, perhaps amused at the similarities, or the idea that she's all that more open than she once was. A nod for the healer, business-like; "Thank you. I appreciate it. Even just the thought." There's a few moments that pass as she looks out over the sands before looking back to Madilla, fine brows arched curiously. "To completely change the subject - if the crafters here were to have some say in the decisions of the Weyr, how might you see that happening? In an advisory, representative sense, perhaps? I'm interested." Whereas Madilla-- even when she's trying to cover up her own feelings, there's usually something of them in her expression, like there is now: it's so clear that she's not fond of things being hidden, of secrets, even if part of that seems to be self-directed. Her hands slide back down towards her sides, her lips parting just slightly as, hesitating, she considers the last of Aishani's words. "I suppose... the crafters would need to form some kind of committee or council of their own. Presumably, just the senior ones. We'd have to appoint some kind of representative, to present our ideas and concerns. Perhaps there could be regular meetings between - oh, Weyrleader, Weyrwoman, Headwoman and the crafter representative? So that everyone has representation." That certainly makes Aishani curious about other things, that self-directedness of Madilla's displeasure, but the conversation has moved on, and so she can too. Long enough off the sands now to pick up her jacket and shrug it on, "That makes some sense. It's similar to some of the options I'd thought of - a senior council seems ideal, though. I... I'd like to see something like that happen, once things are more settled. To ensure everyone's equally on board, I suppose? You've been here about as long as anyone, though... so I'd like to hear what you think as we go along with it. It's important to ensure everything's addressed. Done right, if it's to last." She offers a quick, tentative smile. "If you have time when the time comes." "It seems... Well." Madilla smiles. "You know, I think, that I've long seem the important of crafters having some kind of voice. Not a deciding voice, but a formal way in which they - we - can have our thoughts heard. I think it's an excellent idea." She seems pleased, and some of that earlier discomfort (if that's what it was) is fading; her stance is more relaxed, her hands hanging loosely, easily, by her sides. "I'd be happy to do what I can to assist, of course. Anything you need." With a nod, as she settles her jacket, "Just that, exactly. A formal process by which issues can be addressed. I think if it can be arranged, it would be a small thing to make life easier. Perhaps another few meetings, but..." Aishani can only offer an apologetic shrug for that, a quirk of her lips. "It's the nature of these things. But your help is-- will be-- appreciated. I'll let you know. In the meantime..." Picking up the waterskin, sighing, "I've Iesaryth to attend to. That will take some time. Enjoy your afternoon, Madilla?" "I think... even feeling as though they do have a voice would be of benefit to people." And presumably, actually having a voice is even better than that. Madilla's expression, so thoughtful, shades into a renewed smile as Aishani continues. "Of course. Enjoy yours, too, Aishani. I'm sure we'll talk again soon." "Feeling they're heard, yes. It helps." Aishani flashes another quick smile in agreement and farewell both before heading up the steps and out into the cold again. |
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