Logs:Know When To Hold 'Em
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| RL Date: 26 February, 2014 |
| Who: Azaylia, Vash |
| Involves: High Reaches Weyr, Fort Weyr |
| Type: Log |
| What: While visiting Fort Weyr, Azaylia's curiosity takes her to "Dice" where she meets Vash, a very peculiar greenrider. |
| Where: Dice, Fort Weyr |
| When: Day 9, Month 2, Turn 34 (Interval 10) |
| Mentions: Hattie/Mentions |
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| Dice, Fort Weyr High up above the lake, a small ledge is barely noticeable, and indeed most pass by it unawares. It's small enough that a green can comfortably land, perhaps even a blue, but larger dragons would find it too awkward and small to do so. Just inside, a couple of couple of men are standing with arms crossed and sharp eyes watching the comings and goings. The small size of the various rooms that make up the weyr proper has probably made it unappealing for any to claim as their own - however this makes it perfect for its new purpose. In each room there's a table and chairs set up in different configurations - card games here and there, dice in another room, roulette in yet another. The dealers are dressed in plain gray outfits, though the security guards that wanders from room to room (and occasionally come to collect marks) are more casually dressed. The decor and lighting are dark, intended to make identification of other patrons more difficult.
Vash has been watching from the ledge during all this, brow furrowed, arms crossed. When Azaylia finally makes it to the ledge, the other rider moves as if to catch. Just in case. But there is no crisis, and the visitor continues on. So Vash follows, ignoring the look the guy at the "door" gives her. She follows in Azaylia's wake of "excuse me"s until she's right behind the woman. "You could have died, you know," she offers helpfully. Azaylia isn't so rude as to ignore Vash, although the smile she gives the greenrider for her attempted catch is grateful, if a bit proud. She certainly isn't expecting Vash to follow, and the voice behind her causes the Weyrwoman to jump n' squeak! "Oh? Uhm. No?" Half turning, as if that'll help keep her from bumping into people, the other woman is squinted at. "I mean, yes. I could have, but I make jumps like that all the time. It's okay." Typically when the Snowasis ledge is mostly empty. "Actually, that only increases the probability with each jump that you might die," Vash counters, though her tone sounds for all the world like she might be discussing Dice's drink options, and how this Turn's ale isn't quite as flavorful as last Turn's. Then, glancing beyond the visiting weyrwoman, she points over Azaylia's shoulder. "You're going to run into ... oh, never mind. Hi, Y'zur." To Azaylia, "That's Y'zur," indicating the rider who's making his way back to that ledge to meet a waiting blue. "His Svetath flew Ihvaiyth last time." She waits a beat as she watches the spindly rider leave, then turns back to the visitor. "Y'zur was underwhelming. How are you finding Fort, Weyrwoman?" "I don't see... how? I'm only getting better at it." Azaylia doesn't mean to argue, curiosity getting the best of her as she turns toward Vash. Thanks to the warning, she only grazes Y'zur on his way out, eyes adapting enough that she can make the bluerider out. Vash's blunt comment on his preformance snatches the weyrwoman's attention back, "Really?" She sounds fascinated, "Even during a flight? How does that happen?" She takes a few uncertain steps into the first chamber that breaks off to the rest of the rooms. "I'm finding Fort well. And please, call me Azaylia." The greeting is offered with a warm smile over her shoulder, though she doesn't seem to have any particular direction in mind. Vash continues to follow right along like some sort of slightly shorter bodyguard. "Vash," she replies to the weyrwoman's introduction. She doesn't return the smile, but her tone is just as warm. It's possible she's too distracted to smile, as her eyes dart to each of those security guards as they pass. She's familiar enough with the place to recognize them. "As flights go, Ihv's last was over almost before it started, so not really enough time to get into it," she continues a moment later, nonchalant, followed in the same tone by, "Did you want to try one of the games?" "Well that sounds... boring." Is Azaylia's easy assesment of Ihvaiyth's last flight, no longer interested in the details. She folds her hands in front of her, settled all neat and polite against the skirt of her dress. After a moment of watching, "I'm not very good at gambling... but I've been told it's a matter of practice." The remembered advice adds an odd twist to her lips, annoyed and amused at once. It fades by the time she looks toward Vash, "I was mostly just going to watch." Vash gives one emphatic nod of agreement to Azaylia's assessment. "So many things in life are a gamble, though. Patience helps. Same goes with flights. The longer the flight, the more enjoyable, from what I've experienced. If we have to go through that so often, we should at least be able to enjoy it. It's not like it happens often outside Ihv's flights." Again, tone and words don't entirely match. Vash is not complaining, more just stating a quiet comment. This is followed by, "I tend to put people off. If I'm putting you off, ma'am, I can stop following you. I've just been curious, since I haven't met a weyrwoman from High Reaches before." Even in the dim light, Azaylia's eyes sparkle with the hypothetical, "I wish Hraedhyth had flights more often. More baby dragons. More fun." It doesn't seem as though she's discouraged by Vash's last experience. Mindful that she's not in the way of passy patrons and security, the goldrider turns to Vash with a confused furrow of her brow, "What? No! How could you be putting me off?" The question carries a soft laugh, as if it's so absurd. "Well you've met one now. Am I living up to expectations?" More of that bright curiosity. "Yes!" Vash answers just as brightly, and for the first time that evening, she smiles. Which she should probably do more often. "I've been very lucky with weyrwomen so far. I'm now three for three," she announces before nodding toward the small room with the roulette wheel. "Care to watch that one? They don't ever kick me out of there, and it's fun to watch the ball bounce." Another soft laugh, "Good. I'm glad. Though it'd be interesting, if there were rumors of me being a scary Weyrwoman." And utterly false, as Vash can plainly see. "Sure. Something that isn't cards. I've seen plenty of games of dragon poker." Azaylia's already walking toward the roulette wheel, slowing when a look of surprise suddenly strikes her. "Wait, why would they kick you out?" "Would you like me to spread rumors that you're scary?" Vash asks, sounding sincere as she turns those brown eyes on Azaylia, peering curiously. "I could. Though I doubt people would believe me. And--." Vash breaks off as she glances toward the room they passed just before this one. "I guess I win more than I should. I don't understand, though, because sometimes they really want me there, and other times," like tonight as the security guy next to that room makes sure they're going for the roulette room, "they might literally carry me back out to the ledge. It's a mystery. As is this game," she adds, motioning toward the wheel, as a metal ball bounces around in its little random dance. "Mmm... no." It actually takes a moment for Azaylia to decide, "It might get back to your Weyrwoman, and I don't want her thinking I'm making trouble." Such a rumor might harm her ability to visit as freely as she can, and that won't do! The eggs aren't close to hatching, yet. Hands on her hips, yes even while she's walking, the goldrider doesn't look happy, "They kick you out for winning? That doesn't sound right." It may be why the nearest security guard gets a curious, if visibly blank, stare from the 'Reachian. "You shouldn't have to worry about that tonight. You're keeping me company." And just as she doesn't want to cause any issues, Fort's weyrfolk don't want to make a visiting goldrider unhappy. "Now, what's this game all about?" Vash visibly perks up at the part about keeping Azaylia company. It might not be too hard to imagine that this could be a rarity. "Oh, I have no idea," she admits quickly, glancing at the wheel as the ball comes to rest on one of the red numbers. "It's a guessing game. Beyond that..." She trails off and shrugs. "This is probably why they let me in here, though. I'm horrible at guessing. Trying just makes my brain stop." She watches the exchange of chips and coins. Watches as the wheel tech grabs the ball and spins the wheel again. Watches at the ball drops. With her eyes remaining on that ball, she states, "I will endeavor not to spread rumors about you at all, ma'am. They're such nasty things, even when they're good. Every rumor's soul is black." Like the number the ball just chose? Azaylia is silent as she picks a dark spot at the very edges of the table to stand and observe. The ball is fun to watch as it bounces, brown eyes trailing it as it settles. "A guessing game?" Light soprano is soft, not having to lower it much for it to be a proper whisper. "So they bet money and hope for the best?" Where's the skill? "Sounds like an easy way to lose marks." The comment is gentle enough that there's no judgment being made-- just stating a fact. Azaylia smiles to herself, leaning and giving Vash a gentle nudge, "Thank you. I was mostly joking anyway. I try not to listen to gossip, myself." Try, but does not always succeed. "It's not nearly as enjoyable as poker," Vash replies just as quietly, giving that wheel a disappointed look. "I've watched for hours, and there is just no sense to it. Yet..." Here, her gaze flicks to those few who are indeed still betting with every spin, their own eyes watching that ball drop with rapt attention. "The thrill of the hunt, perhaps. Or... the thrill at the possibility of not losing. I honestly don't understand it." This time, the ball falls toward the house, and some fool seems to have won big, going by the shrill sounds he's making, which in turn makes Vash wince. "I enjoy watching the people as much as the game. Most of the time." She glances at Azaylia again, her brow arched. "Isn't it hard, though? Keeping a pulse on the Weyr, I would think every scrap of fact or fiction would cross paths with you at one time or another." The man's shrill sound may have Azaylia wincing as well, although she'll lift her hands to clap for him, soaking up his excitement. "I like to bet safely," That amused little smile returns, "Which I'm told, is why I lose. But, I don't think I'd like to play his game." Vash's question has her giving a little nod, eyes sliding back over to the greenrider, "Luckily, records don't deal in gossip. At least not often." There's always the scribe's bias to take into accounds. "I tend to hear gossip late, when I do. And sometimes current rumors are brought to my attention, if it seems important." It doesn't sound like she seeks them out, though. "I would never want your job," Vash states bluntly as she folds her hands together in front of her. As the lucky man collects his earnings, the others and the wheel tech get back down to business. "Aside from all that hidework, which is not one of my strengths, I couldn't stand having to watch my words and actions every moment of the day. Which I gather is common to weyrwomen?" She turns from the gambling to study Azaylia almost a little too intently, almost like a specimen. "Maybe I don't watch my words as well as I should," Although now, under Vash's scrutiny, the Weyrwoman is taking the time to think about what she's saying. "I can't expect people to be honest with me, if I only spoke in politics." So she doesn't. Looking only slightly uncomfortable with the greenrider's stare, "There's a time and a place to be careful what you say. I'd like to think that... well, like now. I can just be Azaylia?" Or so she hopes. Vash's stare relaxes as Azaylia explains, and a moment later, the greenrider nods. Another moment later, she smiles, just a small thing this time. "You wish to be seen as both a leader and as a woman, even if the two can't always coexist," she summarizes before looking toward the game again. "I've found it hard to balance the two, myself, and I'm no leader. Yet I still feel objectified sometimes. As a rider. Greenrider. Even as a woman. People so love their little categories and boxes." Azaylia gives a small nod to Vash's summary, visibly relaxing along with the intensity of the Fortian's stare. "My Weyr comes first. Once I understood that, plenty of possibilities opened up for me to just be a woman." Such as visiting a foreign Weyr and watching a rousing game of roulette. Giving a gentle hum of understanding, "You can't please everyone. And it's even more rare to be able to change their minds." Another delicate nudge, her hip and shoulder to Vash's, "Is that why you don't have much sex, outside of flights?" A casual question, as if she's asking after the greenrider's favorite color. "You don't want to fit into the usual box?" "I came to the same conclusion," Vash replies, glancing at Azaylia again, this time with a slightly surprised look on her face. "It's amazing how much that simplified things. How many questions it answers before I even need to ask them." The surprise solidifies at the second nudge, though Azaylia's following questions seem to clear it up. "Oh. Well..." She trails off and slowly looks toward the roulette wheel again, though there is another lull currently as a better is paid. "Usual. That's kind of the problem right there, really." She doesn't clarify, however, instead applauding the winner, if briefly. "It's less about wanting to fit. I just plain don't." "It's not always easy, but it's what our dragons chose us for. Though," Azaylia meets that surprised look with a grin, "You are lucky that Ihvaiyth is a green. Not that I'd change Hraedhyth for anything." When Vash doesn't explain, the goldrider doesn't press matters. More applauding brings her hands back up from where they were neatly folded, "That's not always a bad thing. At least you're good at keeping me company." Suddenly, those eyes brighten with a mischievous fire, "Do you want to have some fun?" "Because of the lesser duties?" Vash asks, turning back to Azaylia, "or because of the more frequent flights?" She watches those around the wheel get ready to resume, then gives the weyrwoman a questioning look. One that grows even more questioning when she catches the touch of mischief. "What kind of fun?" Now it's Azaylia's turn to look surprised, "Well, I meant the first, but..." As she said before, there are certainly worse things than frequent flights. When Vash inquires further into that possible mischief, "We could use my box to play some cards." Not so much pulling rank as using it to grease the wheel, even in another Weyr. "I can play, and you can give me advice. They won't kick you out, then?" Less for the technicality of the situation, and more because of Azaylia's presence. "And by 'box'," Vash clarifies in a level tone, "are you referring to your position, or your vagina?" And yet again, going strictly by tone and lack of facial expression, she could be just as well asking, "Fork or spoon?" She glances through the room's doorway toward that other room. With the cards. Such a lovely sound. "I... don't know," she admits as a frown appears. "If you insisted, I can't imagine they'd turn away a weyrwoman." Azaylia's laughter is sudden enough to have some heads turning, although the source isn't readily apparent. After the curious have lost interest, she's able to catch her breath, "I meant my position, but--" Now she's eyeing the same door with an almost predatory interest. "Do you think that would work? I could certainly distract him long enough. Oh," Realization sets in, "But then I wouldn't be spending time with you." Which seems to be the goldrider's goal, looking to hook her arm into Vash's. "So my being a weyrwoman will have to do." It might at least buy Vash the chance to watch her play a few hands. Vash looks highly skeptical, and it continues as Azaylia hooks her arm around her own. A couple beats later, though, she nods, then leads the way toward that other room, leaving the knocking sound of the roulette ball behind them. She passes that nearest room with the sharp-eyed guard, and goes instead to another where the lighting is slightly busy, the vibe just a little more relaxed. Low stakes, then. There is another guard here, of course. It is a business, after all. "High Reaches' weyrwoman would like to play," Vash announces to this guard as she squares her shoulders. This time, Azaylia's stares take in more than just the guard's face, quite possibly considering 'plan B'. Instead, she allows Vash to lead her to the poker room, smiling brightly at the guard, "Hello." She's expectant, offering no proof beyond the knot on her shoulder-- just like someone important. "Of course. Welcome, Weyrwoman." The guard is clearly reluctant, eyes lingering on the greenrider, "Not you." This time the goldrider squares her shoulders, height used to her advantage, "Vash is my friend, and I'd like her to be with me while I play. She's my good luck charm." Azaylia smiles, leaning into the greenrider in a show of comradery. They're just a pair of women looking to have some fun. Have mercy, sir security! "I won't touch the cards," Vash reluctantly promises a few seconds later. Still, the guard seems unwilling. Another look to Azaylia's knot, however, and he steps aside. Vash's arm tightens around the weyrwoman's for a moment, but then she walks past the man, not giving him another glance. The greenrider nods to those at the table, and as if to show that guard she meant what she said, she moves behind one of the empty chairs and gives Azaylia a small smile, possibly of thanks, though it's hard to tell in the dim lighting. It isn't against the rules to ask your friend for betting advice, is it? No doubt it will be, after the stunt Azaylia and Vash have pulled. True to their word, it's the weyrwoman who takes a seat at the table and greets the dealer with a warm smile. She doesn't abuse her good luck charm, and does lose some hands for it-- but she'll do her best to ensure that Vash is enjoying herself as well. Thankfully, the foreign Weyrwoman won't overstay her welcome as far as Dice and Fort Weyr as a whole is concerned. Before she goes, Azaylia will insist on splitting her winnings with Vash, as meager as they are. She also has enough sense to insist when they're outside of Dice. |
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