Logs:Where We're Directed
| |
|---|
| |
| RL Date: 11 July, 2015 |
| Who: Giarnon, Lilah, X'vin |
| Involves: Fort Weyr, Ruatha Hold |
| Type: Log |
| What: Lilah and X'vin begin their tours of the Holds under Fort's protection, starting with Ruatha's Lord Giarnon. |
| Where: Ruatha Hold, Ruatha Area |
| When: Day 25, Month 3, Turn 38 (Interval 10) |
| Mentions: Hattie/Mentions, Elise/Mentions, E'dre/Mentions, Malcoen/Mentions, W'leri/Mentions |
  |
>---< Ruatha Hold, Ruatha Area >---------------------------------------------< Set into a cliff in a steep valley with a breath-taking view of the Ruatha River, Ruatha Hold presents a grand facade above its long walled courtyard. A rampway leads up to the main hold, smaller cotholds huddled along its length and down the Causeway Road to the river. The road passes the open gather square, intersecting with the north-south road that leads off to outlying cotholds and the Hold's walled orchards and leads all the way to the river where it widens into Ruatha's great lake. It is Eliyaveith that extends the invitation to Besmernyth, informing him of both where they are going and why so that his rider has plenty of warning of what to wear. And for all that Lilah has already climbed on top of Eliyaveith while she waits, she looks every inch the Weyrwoman in expensive, fancy dark leathers that cling to her figure and her knot, with her hair pulled professionally back rather than left wild and loose. There's no need, surely, to share an image before they launch into the air as soon as the bronze pair is ready, appearing over the distinct Ruatha Hold. It's only as she slides down from her dragon that Lilah says her first words to X'vin, offering him a warning, "There have been-- rumors that Giarnon has already been prickly over our favoring of Fort Hold. I thought it best to start with him." No hello or warmth, straight to business. Besmernyth's skeletal trees creak their acknowledgment, and then he absconds to aloof silence for the queen - present, maybe even biddable, but his mind drifts away. Lilah should not be worried about his fashion choices; he looks prepared to attend a gather in his leathers on normal days, and it falls in line that his expensive leathers are more than passable for the task at hand. Besmernyth's wingbeats are bored and easy as he follows in the queen's wake, and X'vin has only a smile, an easy and companionable silence for Lilah when they land, and as Besmernyth lowers himself for a dismount that won't break X'vin's limbs. Giarnon's name gets a grunt. "He's always been prickly," the bronzerider intones lightly, straightening his knot though it already sits well. "And good day to you, too." Eliyaveith rumbles a noise of warning for her rider, who only casts a look over X'vin as he straightens his knot before she turns on a heel to stride towards those large doors of the Hold. They are, at least, sitting open as others come and go, no few taking notice of both Weyrwoman and wingleader, though maybe only after they notice their dragons. As soon as her rider has stepped far enough away, the queen launches herself into the air to find a higher perch for herself to watch from, invitin Besmernyth as a polite counterpoint to her own rider. She stops a young girl with gesture between herself and X'vin, indicating, "Weyrwoman Lilah of Fort and wingleader X'vin to see Lord Holder Giarnon. He should be expecting us." Her gaze rests on the girl who nods and moves to lead them to where the Lord waits, though it is only to a closed door. X'vin's already so long-suffering, what with that eye-roll he gives as he pivots to position himself just behind her, and to the right slightly. Besmernyth is content to ignore all exchanges, including the one between riders; that he alights beside Eliyaveith is not a testament to her courtesy, but an eventuality. He settles his big wings like a cape around him and settles down. « This will go well, » he says, blandly. Ever optimistic, he is, and that is all he has as he watches the pair disappear inside the hall. "Things don't change as much as you think, when you're gone," X'vin murmurs to Lilah. "See you don't forget to smile. He's going to test you, I think. Poke you with a stick." "Isn't that why you are here?" Lilah counters in her own low answer, finally turning back to X'vin at the door and reaching to straighten his knot again with a brush of fingers over the threads. "To smile and be the charming one, so I can get away with less?" Her gaze lingers, for a moment, before her hand falls from the knot to settle in a curve against his forearm, as polite as the way Eliyaveith settles with Besmernyth with her silent agreement. But Eliyaveith is sincere, even if the Weyrwoman and the bronze are less so. It's with that escort that she'll push open the door so that they can escort themselves in, without an announcement. After all, he was expecting them, right? Lord Holder Giarnon sits behind a massive desk in what is clearly his office, the furniture piece something only someone with much time and marks could afford. It is clear by the appointment of this room that Ruatha is doing much better than Fort Hold, the same tragedies that rocked that area in the last few turns allowing this one to flourish. It is clear that X'vin is right, that he isn't looking to make them comfortable, by the warmth of the fire despite the spring day and the way the Holder only looks up from his desk to watch them enter without greeting them right away. "To help," X'vin stresses. "For your credibility. I'm not your weyrleader," is dryly said, but his smile is softer, a little more deferent, certainly not as challenging or forceful as normal in these halls. It's easy to track the incremental changes until he's almost reserved in his pleasantness. When he raises an eyebrow, it's a suggestion she should do the same, but he doesn't have time to press the issue as she pushes the door open, announcing nothing. His mouth opens to try and waylay her, too late. It leaves things to him to say, in greeting, "Fort's duties, Lord Giarnon. Apologies, it wasn't mentioned that you were waiting here. We are sorry to intrude." He even looks chagrined for it, for them, and adds, "I hope you and Lady Sovra are well?" X'vin's lessons at least have done this much: Lilah smiles softly for Giarnon, offering her own explanation of, "We went where we were directed, of course. My duties as well, Lord Giarnon. Have you met Wingleader X'vin, rider of bronze Besmernyth?" Her fingers tighten, briefly, against his forearm before she moves to withdraw them completely. "One of Holder Malcoen's younger boys, wasn't it? Before you went and Impressed at Benden, if I recall correctly," which it doesn't seem as if Giarnon has any doubts about his memory, from the way he studies first X'vin and then the Acting Weyrwoman. "Welcome to Ruatha, Weyrwoman, wingleader. We are honored by your timely visit." His tone says more than his words, but he at least gestures them in invitation to the chairs in front of his desk and it becomes clear that he means to conduct this visit with the massive piece of furniture between them. X'vin's grin brightens slightly. "Yes, is is," he confirms as he pulls out a seat for Lilah, gesturing she should take it before he takes his own, settling straight-backed and squared to the holder himself despite the desk between them. "I think your steward might have given me more lashes than our own. I always did appreciate your hospitality, letting us run around with Elise. I hear she's well at Southern, too, though I've not seen her in some time." But for his part, all he can say is, "Benden has less use of me than Fort. Weyr and her holdings. And, as the weyrwoman has said, we were directed here." There is some hint of tension in the goldrider as she's forced to sit due to politeness. It is good that X'vin pulls out that chair, or else Lilah might not, except then she does, folding herself into it and her hands in her lap as she continues to smile at Giarnon. To the point of timely and on the heels of X'vin's talk of Fort and its holdings, she answers, "I am sure you have heard of the problems that we are facing in the Weyr currently. It has not been the smoothest transition between Seniors that has ever been made. But, even with everything-- I am glad to come to formally introduce myself, Lord Giarnon, as Fort's new Weyrwoman." "Holder Malcoen always had a keen eye for business," is Giarnon's answer to X'vin, his gaze sliding only briefly to Lilah and back again. "His advice is always welcome within Ruatha, as are his children." But, as Lilah introduces herself and the Lord Holder makes a quiet, thoughtful noise, he comes back around to the point of Elise to question in a way that quickly steers away from the smalltalk and politeness to question, "And if Elise weren't at Southern and was still at Fort, you would certainly have seen her and this visit might be with an entirely different Weyrwoman, wouldn't it? No offense, Weyrwoman Lilah, but clearly your predecessor did not have many choices, did she." X'vin might reach for Lilah, if their chairs were closer; now it would be too obvious, so he adjusts instead - slanting the angle of his shoulders and gaze to include her more than peripherally, triangulating between the three of them. It might not force Giarnon to look at her for longer than he wishes, but at least it won't omit her; she will be there, regardless. His pleasure at Giarnon's assessment of his family earns an appreciative nod and an undertoned, "Thank you, my lord. I like to think he's made us all so skilled." The appreciation doesn't last long, though; it's just short of an attack, and 'no offense' doesn't lighten it: "Elise is a good junior," X'vin interjects, cutting a sharper look for Lilah to gauge her reaction and temper, "and she does well at Fort. Hattie's limited choices don't reflect on Weyrwoman Lilah's abilities, I can assure you. It was she who insisted we speak with you today, after all." It is a good thing, again, that X'vin speaks where Lilah is left speechless. The smile she wears becomes slightly plastered, fake but she does not lose it at least. It does soften somewhat when she slides a look towards X'vin in appreciation, though when she glances back to Giarnon she only adds, "I am sure you remember from your first days as a Lord Holder, that no one steps fully prepared into any position. But if there is anything that Fort can do for you, Lord Giarnon--." "Well, Weyrwoman, wingleader," starts Giarnon, the politeness returned to as he continues, "I am glad that you have chosen to visit Ruatha and have offered your duties. I hope I can take this as a sign that the Weyr intends to do its duty by each Hold equally." And, to X'vin in particular, he adds, "And if your father's skill is one you share, you are welcome to visit Ruatha any time." X'vin's exhale is slow and relieved for Lilah's measured response, when it finally comes. He has nothing to add - winces again for Giarnon's interruption - but stays balanced. "And you're welcome to call on me, if you have need. I'd be happy to come," X'vin says in kind. His addition is a gentle reminder, "But my aid is limited, of course. I'm a wingleader only. I think you'll find yourself pleased with Weyrwoman Lilah's aid, once the Weyr finds its stride under her leadership." "Of course, Lord Giarnon. Our duties our always offered, though in the coming days as we deal with the trouble at the Weyr... there may be some slips in those duties," Lilah explains slowly, careful before she glances to X'vin as if seeking help. It is X'vin that Giarnon addresses first, agreeing, "Only a wingleader, of course. For now, at least, isn't it?" That is a question for Lilah and X'vin both, as his gaze draws between them, but it lingers on Lilah for her words. "Will they? Of course, and Ruatha Hold will be patient as always," he replies. "Besmernyth rarely chases in flights," X'vin deflects tactfully. "And Eliyaveith will wait some time before she rises, by all estimations." Lilah's glance is acknowledged lightly, a raising of the eyebrows, a glance toward Giarnon: talk to him. But her suggestion is out, and it's a wonder he doesn't slap his forehead. "Lilah's inherited some issues, as all leaders will. They'll be sorted. With her blessing, I'd put some of Flint at your disposal, should any issues arise." "Of course. Flint will see to any issue or request that you will have, day or night," agrees Lilah to the suggestion, though it doesn't seem as if she's happy about having her hand forced in that direction as that smile drops from her lips. "I appreciate your time, Lord Holder; I know that you are a very busy man. But I will be sure to call on you again soon. I look forward to working with you." At that, the Weyrwoman rises to her feet. And clad in leathers as she is rather than the usual pretty dresses, she has no skirts or anything to adjust, so she only offers Giarnon a slight bow before she turns on a heel to see herself out. "Then it seems we will be seeing much more of each other, wingleader," says Giarnon with a polite smile. His focus returns to Lilah, though, as she says her obvious goodbyes. He moves to rise even as she does, offering in turn, "And you, Weyrwoman. I am sure we can all work together to the benefit of Fort and Ruatha both." X'vin's shoulders rise with the depth of his breath, a thing held as Lilah's patience breaks. "Certainly, sir," he says his grin easier for the Lord Holder, all the stark contrast to his gaze when he turns back to Lilah. "We've plenty to catch up on, outside our duties. Thank you for taking the time, today, sir." He'll take on the task of straightening the chairs back to where they were, bowing slightly as well before following Lilah to the door, out, closing it behind him. He doesn't say anything in the halls, not where the staff may still be listening; he only catches up to her in a few quick strides and puts a hand at the small of her back as they steer out of the hall. There's a tension in Lilah's spine, a narrowing of her dark eyes sliding over X'vin as he catches up. But the Weyrwoman takes the wingleader's lead, allowing him to steer her out of the hall and also not breaking their silence as they move towards waiting dragons. Besmernyth moves in anticipation first; big wings open so he can glide down and land in the courtyard again, a distance from the doors. When they open, he grunts lowly, crouching and staring disconcertingly. X'vin's hand disappears the moment the doors close behind them. "Painless," he says, sounding dry. "Right?" Eliyaveith is slower to move, as always. She is not the fastest dragon, given her size, but she joins Besmernyth soon enough. "Your wingriders are needed just as much as any other. I am drowning here and you are promising things that--," is what Lilah answers in a sharp, low counter with annoyance bleeding through as she rounds on X'vin only once she is closer to their dragons and away from their doors. "If you want to drown forever, go back in there and tell himm no," X'vin invites. He's not smiling now. "Hattie let him fall to the wayside, somehow, and now you have to fix it. I can spare W'leri, and a couple wingriders to come, if they must. But, he doesn't want them." His proclamation is confident. "Look around. Ruatha is fine. Short of another Lux Ledge here, he's not going to have a problem with spring coming." That invitation only manages to spark more anger in the goldrider, and when Lilah touches the bronzerider this time, it is to push at him as she tells him sharply, "You are not my Weyrleader, wingleader. I didn't say no, but he didn't ask; you offered." But she seems to quickly catch herself, almost regretting that as she adds, "You're right. Ruatha is fine. And he will never be happy with us since Elise was sent to Southern and Astivan--." She shakes her head, dismissing it. X'vin's a solid man, who willingly gives a step away when Lilah shoves him. He's filled with advice, "Then bring E'dre next time. I hear he and Hematite have been dealing with the holds many and often. Giarnon probably loves him." X'vin sidesteps her then, to make his way to Besmernyth and check his straps. Statue that he is when not being engaged, they are exactly as they were on arrival. "You said he felt neglected; make him feel like you're attending to him. It's the effort that will matter. I'll send W'leri here in two days to check, and I bet he sends him on his way back to the weyr without imposing a thing on us." He puffs a sigh. "You can get a lot done by doing nothing at all, Lilah. You just have to find the line and walk it." "At this point, does it matter what I say?" tosses Lilah back on the heels of X'vin's answer, before she moves to sharply check her own straps as more of a habit than anything serious. If there were something wrong there, she likely wouldn't find it before she moves to mount the golden dragon. She calls to the wingleader once she's settled onto Eliyaveith's ridges, dryly, "Next time, I ought to bring no one." "It matters because you're set up to make sure he continues to be happy with us," X'vin says, rubbing a hand down his face in exasperation. "I think you could make it through Southern Boll without any issues. Jenilynn looks favorably on us still. I'll wait on you outside." He hauls himself up on Besmernyth's neck, watching her with bright eyes. "Do what you see fit, Weyrwoman. There are floors I could be cleaning instead, after all." Lilah's gaze finds his bright one across the distance between their dragons, even before she answers, "No, you've already forced my hand, haven't you? I already made that promise to him that you offered, whether or not you could be cleaning floors." But it is Eliyaveith who silently shares the image of Southern Boll, whether born from his suggestion or not. And Lilah won't even make him wait outside when they get there. |
Leave A Comment