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Post by taenia on Nov 9, 2010 10:09:01 GMT -5
The blue firelizard burst into the air of the office rather suddenly on a normal warm mid afternoon at Nova Weyr. The blue was young, either still growing or just on the small size for his colour, and hadn’t been sent here often before. There was a message attached to his leg, as was often the case when Fire Lizards were sent on errands, this particular message, even rolled up appeared too large for the little blue that had been sentenced to carry it.
The flit give an inquisitive chirp as he took in the office around him and was distracted by such a different place. So distracted he was that he’d forgotten the message that disturbed his leg movement as he attempted to perch on what appeared to be a stable item within the room. He’d even forgotten that fact that this office was not his pets, and the person within would probably be very confused, if he’d bothered to check whether anyone was there or not! You couldn’t say that Pipper was the most intelligent of the Fire Lizard breed, in fact, he was rather dopey.. Unless it involved food..
Not even half a second later came another flit, a much larger, fully grown green. Her hide a dark forest green and well oiled. She appeared much more at east within the office, she’d been to many offices on her errands, this one, in her point of view was no different. She carried no message, and it was soon apparent with her scolding at the young blue that she’d been sent to oversee the errand and ensure the blue did as he was told. Pipper was still in training, and was obviously not too trusted yet. The scolding turned into chattering as the green made a display of extending her leg and presenting her fake message to get the idea across..
The blue had moved across the item he now stood on to get a better look of the green’s action, unaware that it was something that had been balanced there, his movement had unbalanced it and the item fell, almost taking a rather surprised looking blue with it!
~No! No! No! Pi Bad!~ The green scolded again, her face a little picture of anger with whirling red eyes, ~Message boss one!~ She demanded, as if she were a gold in green clothing, but kept her distance, hoping that the little blue would take the hint and deliver the message as his had requested.
Not wanting to upset the bully green any further, the blue landed himself on the desk and presented his leg to the woman it was meant to go to, looking hopefully at her.. his always give him a reward, up until now he’d always had one from message deliveries, but then, up until now he hadn’t sent too many messages outside of the hold.
The message was from Lord Bilteran of Crooked River Hold, requesting his daughter back, or a dragon transport to come and discuss it face to face, if possible. It wasn’t something Bilteran had felt comfortable writing, but between his spouse, and Tardol’s mutterings, Bilteran felt it was required.
((Hope this is okay! thought it would be a interesting little display if Cybele happens to be there, or two rather disgruntled Flit's if she's not, considering the recent clutching! I'll play either way - they could make trouble searching for her in the weyr!)
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Post by Kit on Nov 15, 2010 18:25:25 GMT -5
Cybele was indeed in her office, unusually, since Chandrath was down on the Hatching Grounds, she found she spent most of her time there. The Senior Queen was not particularly broody, she allowed anyone to look at the eggs who wished if she was there to watch them, though they were yet too soft to allow touching. Still, her temper was uncertain at times and Cybele preferred to be near.
But Chandrath was sleeping so her lifemate was catching up on accumulated paperwork. Therefore she was there to witness the spectacle created by the undersized blue, and his large green companion. The crashing of the rare book that the tiny thing had landed on woke Argent on Cybele's shoulder and the silver prepared to defend her pet, hissing.
The Weyrwoman stroked her head to soothe her and took the message from the hapless blue, laughing somewhat at it's pleading expression. From a drawer in her desk she pulled a chunk of dried beef that she often used for just such a purpose. Having given the deliverer his treat, she unrolled the message, sighing as she read the contents. She had expected a message like this ever since Ranelli had come to the Weyr, and there was no good solution. Since the girl had not been Searched, the Weyr had no hold on her.
Chandrath, please tell Demnoth that he and his must prepare to convey Ranelli's parents from their Hold
The Queen complied sleepily and somewhat grouchily. Having the Weyrsecond convey them would seem like an honor to the holders, which would make them more docile. But that wasn't why Cybele had really chosen Q'del. She knew he could keep his mouth shut and that he wouldn't be bullied. Plus, as a former heir to a Holding, he knew how to deal with their sort.
That done, she spoke to Argent. "Find Ranelli and bring her to me please," she said, adding a picture of the girl for good measure. Argent dissapeared with a cheep and reappeared in the lower caverns above the head of the girl in question.
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Post by taenia on Nov 18, 2010 13:23:56 GMT -5
Ranelli was aware of Argent, was aware of who the silver belonged to and so a worried expression fell over her face when she became aware that the creature was there looking for her. That could only mean one thing... The weyrwoman needed to see her. With a sigh, she whipped her hands on the towel she had been holding, putting down after she was finished and wondering off towards the office. She knew her way to the office well enough, she hadn't been there often, afterall, it wasn't within her upbringing to make trouble. Cybele's request could mean a number of things, firstly, she was in trouble for something, or secondly she was going to be sent home - she'd be await this moment for a while, knowing it was only a matter of time, afterall, she wasn't really much use to the weyr, bar as a lower caverns staff. ....had her parents been in contact with her? She'd heard no rumors of them being here yet.. nodding her head at one of the other caverns staff, she took her leave and wondered off towards the office, moving fast enough to avoid keeping the weyrwoman waiting to long, Cybele was a fair leader, but it wouldn't do to keep her waiting. "I'm on my way, Argent" She spoke out loud, not sure if the silver would understand here, but wanting to at least acknowledge to the firelizard that she understood the message.
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Post by Kit on Nov 20, 2010 0:19:27 GMT -5
Argent cheeped at the girl approvingly, sending an image of hurrying to her, and then disappearing between.
Cybele nodded as the silver reported back, stroking the head of the firelizard to soothe herself.
Q'del meanwhile flew with Demnoth down to the Weyrbowl, outfitted with two extra sets of straps. He had a feeling this was going to be unpleasant.
Demnoth, tell Chandrath we're ready. Now, everyone was just waiting.
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Post by taenia on Nov 20, 2010 9:55:24 GMT -5
With the message passed over, the green fire lizard made a sound as the little blue, before flicking between back to his master. The steward of crooked river hold. Leaving the blue behind, happy with his treat from the kind boss lady. He seemed reluctant to leave the office, and it was only when the knock of the door from Ranelli requesting to enter, did he leave... leaving the only sign of contact from her parents as the note that had arrived from the blue previously.
Ranelli stood outside the door, wondering what the summons was about, hoping that she had been quick enough in responding to the weyrwoman.
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Post by Kit on Nov 23, 2010 18:11:28 GMT -5
The Weywoman looked up from her musing at the sound of a knock. Artemth flitted over to sit on top of the bookshelf, arranging herself as prettily as an ornament. "Come in," Cybele said, arranging her features into what she hoped was a serene expression. "Goof afternoon, Ranelli. Please be seated," she said, indicating the chair in front of the desk.
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Post by taenia on Nov 24, 2010 11:37:38 GMT -5
"Good afternoon, Weyrwoman" Ranelli responded in a polite but formal manner, not wanting to be difficult for the weyrwoman who had been kind enough to let her stay in the weyr, which had been Ranelli's last expectation. She took the seat as indicated and turned her face to make eye contact with Cybele, to show that she was giving the weyrwoman her full attention. She sat quietly, waiting for Cybele to talk, being polite.
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Post by Kit on Dec 5, 2010 14:29:56 GMT -5
Cybele sighed, not really wanting to be the bearer of bad news. "Well, I've just received a letter from your parents. They want you to come home. Obviously, I cannot make you go with them, but under the circumstances, I can't really protect you from them either. Unless you've been Searched, I'm afraid they are your parents and the Weyr cannot afford to anger powerful Holders without a very just cause. They've requested conveyance here to talk to me and you about the situation and Demnoth is waiting for my command. But I'd like to hear your opinion on how to handle this first," she said, perhaps talkIng a bit more quickly than she normally would.
The Weyrwoman did not like to be put in these situations. If she didn't have to worry about the Weyr's standing with the Holders, she would have offered Ranelli sanctuary, simply for the fact that it must be something serious that would cause a teenage to rather work in the kitchens then have everything handed to her. The girl had an independent spirit, that was for sure, and Cybele could hardly believe that she hadn't been Searched... But perhaps no one had been looking, all the Candidates around tended to befuddle a Searchdragon's senses, so unless she'd been right in front of one, they might have missed her. Cybele began to form a plan.
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Post by taenia on Dec 5, 2010 16:11:48 GMT -5
Ranelli was not surprised, she had expected a letter from her parents long ago, and there was a moment of silence whilst Ranelli thought about how best to reply. When she did speak up, her voice and manner was that of an adult, not a 15 turn old girl that she was. Ranelli's upbringing had made her grow up quickly. "I cannot say that I am surprised, Weyrwoman." She responded. "I am only surprised that the summons had not come sooner." She added, and there was truthfulness in what she had said. "I have found the weyr to be enjoyable, everyone friendly..and have liked.. just being Ranelli." She said. "It's given me a chance to start searching for the person I am...and not the person I am expected to be... and I must be truthful and say that I will be quite sad to leave it.." She allowed some of the emotions to show on her features, wanting Cybele to see that she didn't just say what she did, she meant it as well..
There was another pause from her as she thought for a while longer. "I've thought over this situation for a while, the different senario's which could arise from it, and I know that I must follow the wishes of my parents here.. for the good of the weyr.." She added a second later. "For all the kindess that you have shown me, I would not like to be the result of problems between the weyr and the holders...having been raised a holder girl, I know the problems that could arise.." She said. "It may just simply be that I was meant to be what I was bred to be" She said with a sigh. "I am sorry to have brought this situation upon you.." She never mentioned anything about a search or ways to stay... there was no way she'd ever be searched.. she was Ranelli..a holders daughter, not a weyrbred.. or gifted candidate.
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Post by Kit on Dec 6, 2010 19:17:33 GMT -5
Cybele nodded. "I'm glad that you see the situation clearly. We'll be sorry to lose you, you're a hard worker and you clearly have plenty of spirit, which is just what weyr life requires. But I'm afraid unless the dragons claim you, I can see no recourse. So, I will send Demnoth to fetch your parents. You should get your things and say your goodbyes, and then meet me in the Weyrbowl. Perhaps your parents might be reasoned with... We'll see what happens." The Weyrwoman wore a curious half- smile on her face which quickly disappeared. "I'm sure it will take a bit of time for your parents get situated, so you needn't hurry." That was a dismissal clearly, because Cybele needed time to think.
Chandrath, tell Demnoth he can be on his way. And ask Kaitoth if he and His could meet me in the Weyrbowl immediately.
The Queen complied with a snort, shifting a bit on the warm Sands of the Hatching Sands. She thought humans were silly, if the girl wanted to stay she didn't see the problem.
Demnoth might have agreed with these sentiments but he didn't really comprehend such weighty matters. All he knew was that they were going flying and they were going to pick up passengers, which excited him to no end. The big bronze heard the the Queen say they could leave, and once Q'del gave the signal, he flapped his mighty wings and soon they blinked between over the Weyr Rim.
Just a few minutes later they were spiraling in for a landing over the courtyard of the Hold. Demnoth landed rather gracefully for his size, blowing great drafts of air that sent the dust flying. Q'del dismounted and removed his flying goggles but he remained by Demnoth. The arrival of a bronze dragon would bring people to him, and frankly anyone getting a good eyeful of rider and dragon ought to know it was the Werysecond.
Back at the weyr, Kaitoth glided in for a landing in the Weyrbowl and Tesni quickly slid down to the ground as Cybele strode up to meet them. "Weyrwoman? You needed us?" the bluerider said with some confusion.
"Yes, I... Ranelli's parents are coming to get her, you know. Her marriage is very important, politically. But she is wasted on such a life, and she does not want it. I suppose I feel for her... But I feel very strongly that she belongs here, in the Weyr, so I called Kaitoth here to examine her. If he doesn't sense anything well... I dont know what we'll do then." Something in Cybele rebelled strongly against the idea of such a strong girl shackled to a life of politics and childrearing. She was having uncharacteristically sneaky thoughts.
Tesni nodded slowly, a little taken aback by the Weywoman's sudden passion over the fate of one girl. "Well, you know Kaitoth will do his utmost." The Weyrwomam nodded distractedly, watching both the sky and the ground. She was rather hoping the parents would arrive first.
"Just try to look casual about it. I don't want them to know you are here on purpose, Faranth forbid they think we're tricking them. So just go hang out by the lake and tell Kaitoth to keep his senses open, I suppose. Thank you for this," she said, and she looked back to the sky with a nervous wringing of hands before taking a deep breath and straightening her spine. Tesni and Kaitoth ambled over to the lake and the bluerider kicked her boots off and sat in the sand, thankful it was still to early in the day for rain. The blue dragon lay beside her, looking for all the world like he was asleep, but his tail twitched in readiness.
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Post by taenia on Dec 8, 2010 13:04:37 GMT -5
Ranelli knew a dismissal when she was given one and didn't challenge it. She didn't feel like talking anoymore, and knew there was nothing else to say, she had to do what had to be done, and so she made her way back to the room she had occupied since her arrival at the weyr to pack together the small amount of things that she had aquired during her short time at Nova.
Her mind was a mixture of many things as she walked, many different senario's ran through her mind on what would happen next.. on what type of reception she would recieve from her parents, of what type of things everyone else would say...and of that dratted wedding she was still uncomfortable with, no matter how much she tried to look on the bright side..
...mentally, she started to prepare herself for the new life she would lead beside Tardol at Nova and the many children she would be expected to bare. So caught up in her thoughts, Ranelli walked on autopilot across the weyr, paying attention to no one.. and only realising how far she had come from the office when she found herself in her room.
Taking a seat on her cot bed, Ranelli gave a big sigh... even if she'd wanted to, she'd not be able to go back out there fast, there were far too many thoughts and memories, and things to consider..
Meanwhile, over at Crooked River Hold..
Lady Ellimae had been watching the courtyard intently from the small window in Bilteran's office, waiting for the summond rider to come and collect them. IT was of no surprise that she managed to spot which rider had arrived, it would have been practically impossible for her to miss him. "They send a bronze.." She said, her voice a matter of factly, as if a curtosy of such a colour was expected of their rank. "It is the weyrsecond.." She replied a moment later looking across to see the surprise registered on Bilteran's face.
The Lord holder stood up, rubbing the crumbs from his meat rolls of his find clothing before motioning for his lady to join him and head out towards the dragon and his rider..
..within a few moments the pair were addressing the weyrsecond in greeting, and his bronze. "Thank you for your quick response, weyrsecond" Lady Ellimae replied her voice strong, with a nod of her head.
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Post by Kit on Dec 11, 2010 22:38:58 GMT -5
Q'del smiled politely, the manners he learned as Heir to a Holding falling over him like a well worn mask."Demnoth and I were happy to be of help." he said, and that was at least partly true. Demnoth was thrilled, his rider not so much. He thought they should have gotten the hint when Ranelli had run away and given her up. Clearly she'd been unhappy. At least his mother hadn't stormed back to the Weyr and demanded him back. He supposed she thought that he and Quindara would come crawling back on their own but she hadn't really counted on their Inpression. He continued smiling graciously at the Holders and said, "We can be on our way as soon as you're mounted. I have extra riding straps if you want them." He held out a confused looking pile of leather, it really wasn't as tangled as it looked.
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Post by taenia on Dec 12, 2010 12:11:02 GMT -5
Bilteran's face remained calm and cool as the weyrsecond spoke and handed out the straps, Ellimae's however showed a mind tangled of thoughts that she wouldn't say.. was the weyrsecond expecting *her* to sort those straps out herself? Who did they think she was to be able to do that... she was not going to get without straps, especially if their trip covered the area of 'between' ...a cold place of nothingness that she was certain she'd not be able to get used to in a hurry.. but the lady knew better than to disgrace her hold with her manners, and possibly risk upsetting her spouse.
"We will be quick, this is a matter we wish to have resolved quickly" Bilteran added, he was doing all the offical talking for the time being "and I wouldn't want to keep Weyrwoman Cybele waiting needlessly." He added, taking a step up towards the dragon and rider with Ellimae at his side.
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Post by Kit on Dec 12, 2010 19:23:08 GMT -5
Perhaps that little joke had been a bit evil, but the look of consternation on the Lady's face was well worth it. Q'del gave the riding straps a little shake and they assumed a recognizable shake. "There you are. I'm sure you've both ridden dragonback before. You can just put these on, and I'll mount first, so I can pull you up if you have trouble." It would be almost too much to hope that either of them had never ridden a dragon. They'd be in for such a fright if that was the case, and Q'del would be happy to give it to them, very politely of course. But most holders of their stature got dragon conveyance to Gathers if they wanted.
He handed them each a pair of straps, they weren't really required for a flight of such short duration but it made non riders feel safer. Once they were strapped in, he led the way to Demnoth and patted him on the flank. The bronze knew the drill for passengers and he crouched down, offering his knee as a stepping platform. Q'del leapt lightly up and climbed the straps till his was straddling his dragon. Then he looked down at the hapless holders, beckoning them to come up.
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Post by taenia on Dec 13, 2010 5:49:45 GMT -5
They had indeed travelled by dragonback before, Bilteran more often that Ellimae and so the lord was more than able to work with the straps that he had been given, by now, he pretty much knew what was what when it came to these things..
Ellimae, however, was not.. and the straps would have just confused her if it hadn't been from the assistance from her spouse. Bilteran turned to her with a warm smile, knowing her well enough to know that she would be feeling a little bit.. unsettled at this moment in time. They exchanged no spoken words, but the non-verbal communication of body language and smiles was enough to at least calm her for a while. Once the straps were sorted on her, they both turned toward the dragon ready to mount. Ellimae would go first.
"Thank you kindly, Demnoth" Bilteran said to the dragon, noticing the stance the bronze took to allow them to comfortably mount with more ease. "Go ahead, Ellimae, Q'del will help you if you need." He added. Watching carefully as she eventually got up the side of the bronze and so he could follow second and tkae his place in the second spot.
Meanwhile, back at the weyr..
With all of her items gathered, Ranelli was ready to wonder out to the bowl and wait with the weyrwoman for her parents to arrive. She felt it would be better for the weyr if she appeared willing to return.. but, as hard as she tried... she couldn't put that mask on, or get the motivation to take her small pack of belonging's and herself to the designated meeting place yet.. She hadn't bothered to change, nothing that she had currently really suited the rank that she was, and she knew her mother would be most disgraced to see her in such comfortable clothes..and dirty.. ....but Ranelli didn't care, the clothes had become her, she prefered wearing them, than the normal atyre she had been expected to wear at the hold.. She could just imagine the reception she would get, or the look that would come across her mother's face.. for it would be her mother that would cause the most of the problems here.. With a sigh, she took one final look around the room and started her way out, slowly... taking her time with her steps, finding any excuse she could to walk slower or stop..
((ooc: i'll have her come out and stand beside Cybele once they arrive at the weyr!))
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