|
Post by Administrator on Mar 2, 2008 11:04:05 GMT -5
Girl candidates first. They needed girls. The dragonrider climbed the stairs nervously, unsure if he was doing the right thing. For one, the girls would probably be nervous to have a man in the barracks, but Elaira had told him that they would jump at the chance to Impress a queen. Shmee didn't really need girls at the moment, right? She would probably give the girls to him in a heartbeat. Rapping on the door mildly, the young man poked his head in, smiling anxiously. "Hi!" he told them cheerily. They should all be here now- it was a calming down part of the day, right? It was dusk, so things would be starting to quiet in the barracks. "I'm H'rel, rider of green Mevineth," he told them, leaning against the frame. Elaira had chosen him to get the girls because they would probably trust him more than the brownrider that had accompanied her. He was very effeminate, and openly gay, something which she found the girls to love and be less fearful around. This reassured H'rel, who knew these girls could be potential friends. He didn't want them to be scared of him. Running a hand through his short brown curls, he grinned toothfully, his youth plain in this expression. He had only just graduated from weyrlinghood.
"Did you all hear about what happened at Fort?" he asked them, his expression turning somber. "Well, because of it, a whole wing of us moved to High Reaches Weyr with our Weyrwoman Elaira and our Weyrleader Z'mast. They just clutched a lot of eggs... and we need candidates. His honey-colored eyes looked around at the girls. "We can't Search from Northern holds, because they're full of informants that would tell Fort and Benden about us. We can't let them know where we are-- we strive for peace. Elaira is speaking with Shmee as we speak, actually. She's making sure she has permission to take some of you. I'm sure she'll have it. Shmee is a good lady."
Letting his merry smile slip back onto his features, he paused to catch his breath. Shards, he was nervous! He wasn't one to speak in front of large groups of people. "Well," he went on, "there's a queen egg in Tollith's clutch right now. With so few candidates, I'm absolutely positive any one of you could Impress her!" He beamed. "There's no queen egg here, so why not try your luck at High Reaches? I know it's colder up there, but Fort and Benden have no idea we exist. We're going to be totally peaceful, making our own little colony up there. We're going to start making holds close by, too. We can fly Thread, we can be peaceful, and it will be so much better than dealing with everything! Can't you just see it? Not even random attacks on us from the other Weyrs! Complete peace!" Smiling at each of the girls in turn, he blushed as he realized he couldn't keep the excitement from his voice. It just got him so excited!
"So, what do you say? Wanna come?" he asked shyly.
|
|
Kisha-Ra
Rider Mo?rya Rider Darya Rider K?fuzzi Rider J?on Handler Vivano Handler Yoalla
Happier'n a pig in mud ABOUT WHERBABIES!
Posts: 1,109
|
Post by Kisha-Ra on Mar 2, 2008 13:36:37 GMT -5
Janisi looked at H’rel with respect, and a little suspicion. Respect, partly because she’d been brought up to respect men and defer to their judgement and partly because H’rel was a dragonrider, and suspicion because she didn’t think this was all above board. Wouldn’t Shmee need all the candidates her searchriders had gathered with a clutch on the sands and a rumoured wher clutch?
When he started blathering on about them Impressing a queen Janisi was sure she was beginning to look at the greenrider like he was cracked. Did he mean all of them or just one? Janisi suffered a vision of a queen dragon with several flamethrower wielding riders astride her neck and fought to keep her expression under control, it really wouldn’t do to start giggling.
Okay, now Janisi was fairly sure she was looking at H’rel like he was insane, had he really just said that Fort and Benden didn’t know about his lot? Did he really think they wouldn’t notice if a wing or more of dragons and riders, apparently including a queen and one or more bronzes, just left.
Then her better nature took over, he didn’t look that old, perhaps only a bit older than some of the candidates, and he was very excited. He was probably so excited he was skipping out huge chunks of explanation. ‘Um, excuse me sir, but did you say Fort and Benden have no idea you exist? I’m sorry if I misunderstood sir but didn’t you say most of you came from Fort?’ Janisi studiously avoided eye contact with the rider, and also avoided asking the question that was implied.
|
|
|
Post by randi on Mar 2, 2008 14:48:14 GMT -5
Simply enjoying the company of others in the room had put her at ease. Ever since the whispers of a wher clutch, accompanied with giggles at the expense of the poor weyrlings who had found the poor thing, her heart had been fluttering, her eyes sparking as the thoughts of the soon-to-be danced behind them. It was this excitement that made her almost jump when a man knocked on the door before intruding into the females' room.
His smile and apparent happy demeanor put her at ease, though she did not have an educated guess why he was here. The only thought Ellanie could conjure was if this H'rel had recently arrived, and had the ambition to introduce himself around the Weyr, which seemed a silly thought, though he seemed to give off a friendliness that would accompany the thought of that task.
As his smile faded and he began to speak again, her mind leaped into a whirlwind of thoughts. She had heard nothing about Fort from her "sources", gossipers from small children to older women, and the feeling of being uninformed nagged at her. Ellanie listened to the greenrider, her thoughts slowing down. This matter didn't concern her. She was not going to Stand at a dragon Hatching. That arguement had sailed from port and been lost at sea. If it came to the idea that they would pick who they wanted from the crowd, she would simply refuse to go.
The thought of a Hatching did make her feel giddy again. The wher clutch seemed so faded a reality, almost like a dream. Even if she didn't Impress one of the lovely creatures, she would still be able to work at the crèche, and who could ask for more?
As his lost smile was found, she felt herself lighten up. Some of these girls would surely jump at a chance to Impress a queen, and even more had a chance of being likely to want to exist in peace. The thought of it was enticing, but still. She felt a loyalty to Selenitas, and her job, to just up an leave.
When another candidate spoke, her attention was drawn to Janisi, her bunkmate. That was true. Whatever troubles Fort Weyr had would not keep it from looking for a missing wing of riders, much less a queen. If they weren't found out by Fort, then Benden... The thought was too horrible to continue with.
However, there was another solution that seemed like a fine idea. "It's really dangerous up North." Her voice was soft and happy, but liable to be lost if someone else talked over her. "Instead of hiding after the Hatching, why don't you guys come back," she was addressing the girls who might want to leave and H'rel, "to Selenitas after the Hatching? We'd be better off together rather than seperate, don't you think?"
If that plan worked, then there'd be more riders here, and then the candidates that didn't Impress at the first Hatching, whichever one occured first, could be brought to the other one to Stand, and then the Weyr would be stronger with two sets of junior Weyrlings than one. Plus, High Reaches would be able to get at least some of the candidates she needed, and maybe a little bit more if they were sure to come back home. True, they may not have the complete peace they wanted, but they'd at least be more able to defend themselves with more friends by their sides, right? If most of the riders were anything like H'rel, they would make friends fairly quickly, she would be willing to bet.
|
|
|
Post by midnight on Mar 2, 2008 15:58:40 GMT -5
Sikowy had been perched on her cot, reading a book and half-listening to the conversation of the other candidates, when H'rel stepped through the door. She stared at him in confusion and surprise as he greeted them with a cheerful "Hi." She didn't recall any of the candidate staff being greenriders, so she didn't know what business he had bursting into the candidate barracks. He seemed friendly, but that didn't mean anything. It could be just an act.
Her eyes narrowed in surprise when he mentioned Fort, and then widened as a thought occurred to her. What if he was searching for refugees from the north? Panicking, she glanced around in what she hoped was a surreptitious search for a quick exit. She was so frightened by that idea that she almost missed the rest of the explanation, but when she heard that, she relaxed, then flashed the greenrider a smile in case he found her initial expression suspicious.
She was impressed by the idea of a secret Weyr, and surprised that she had never heard of it while at Benden. She thought that what the H'rel was saying about a peaceful Weyr was very appealing, but she wasn't sure if she wanted to move again. And Shmee would still need them at Selenitas if some of the greens wanted to Impress to girls. And Janisi was right, it seemed unlikely that Fort didn't know about the Weyr at all.
Sikowy raised her hand and waited for the other girls to finish speaking before voicing her concerns. "Don't take offense at this, sir, but how do we know that you're not secretly a representative from Fort or Benden, trying to kidnap us?" She asked, trying to keep her tone conversational despite the content of the question.
|
|
|
Post by Administrator on Mar 2, 2008 22:41:19 GMT -5
H'rel grinned, hoping their suspicions would die. At least they weren't shooing him away. Looking at Janisi intently, he nodded curtly. "Yeah, we were all born at Fort. It's a long story. Basically, we don't feel safe living at Fort anymore, so we all left with our Weyrwoman, Elaira. She promised us protection and peace. We didn't tell anyone where we went, so we could be on the other side of Pern for all they know!" He laughed nervously. "Faranth, we might even be in a whole different time to them! But we're not. We're just in little old High Reaches. It's perfect, really. It's big, can hold up to four queens, it's up north enough to not look as desirable territory for Benden and Fort... The scenery is gorgeous, and animals can be kept there, too, so we won't starve... It's great!" He didn't notice that the candidate was avoiding eye contact with him. He wasn't astute enough to notice those sorts of details. Merrily moving on to the next question, he nodded at Ellanie.
"What we want is total freedom from violence. Selenitas... seems to be getting more and more wrapped up, from what we hear," he told them uncomfortably. "The attack on the weyrlings, the attack during Threadfall... it's getting nastier. We don't want to have any part in this. We escaped Fort to get away from the wars, not just find a new side." He smiled grimly. Well, at least it would solve his problems, right? They would be free from these things once back in the comforting cradle of High Reaches. It was safe.
Focusing his attention on Sikowy, he chuckled sadly. "I'm not a representative because I hate the other Weyrs. Kamerai and D'loro are dead. Elaira didn't want to reign over a rotten Weyr, so she's making a new one." He sighed. It made him sad, seeing how the dragonriders were declining so. But High Reaches would grow into a peaceful Weyr. In fact, Elaira was talking about calling their first hold "Peace Hold." It would be perfect, perfect, perfect. "We understand if you don't trust us. This is why we're asking you if you would like to come. If you don't, you can stay here, but you'd be missing out. This is an important part of history!" He smiled lightly at all the girls. He hoped they would come to High Reaches...
|
|
Requiem
Weyrleader S'rei WM M?ta Rider A'nd Harper/Handler Dmitri Weyrbrat Miguel
Posts: 2,861
|
Post by Requiem on Mar 6, 2008 15:09:35 GMT -5
Mutasim didn't typically get involved with any of the other candidates. In a way, it was a defense mechanism. In another way, they simply would never understand him, and he didn't bother to try. But when a strange greenrider he'd never seen skulked past the boys' end of the barracks, Mutasim couldn't help but be a little suspicious. Strange dragonriders seemed to be the medium for all the trouble visited on Selenitas over the last turn. C'leon and Morsrath. Trenlor - he was an ex-dragonrider, but Mutasim felt that still fit. Meri's 'brother.' The Benden riders who'd attacked Alpha Flight in Threadfall. R'non and Rath. Oh, he was certain something nasty was going to come of that. Quite certain. So why should it be any different with this man? He couldn't be up to any good, sneaking around like this.
Dressed as colorfully as he was, Mutasim still made no sound, and this H'rel seemed all too intent upon the girls he was trying to win over. The young man leaned against the doorframe, watching and listening, his eyes never leaving the greenrider. No. H'rel probably wasn't a threat. Young, obviously impressionable, somewhat naive, and definitely not observant enough for his own good. All of these applied. The cynical streak in Mutasim that ran deep whispered that this man was probably worse than most Benden riders. He didn't even seem to realize that the crap he was spewing was just that: crap.
Sifting through the information, the candidate came up with the important bits. D'loro and Kamerai had fallen. This Elaira, for whatever reason, had decided to flee Fort and set up shop in High Reaches. She obviously didn't want to be found out. All the rest of this was simply what H'rel had been led to believe. Mutasim was fairly certain that the greenrider thought he spoke the truth, but that didn't mean the young man had all the information. He rather hoped Elaira didn't believe all this nonsense. If she did, she was a fool, and Mutasim couldn't say he much cared about what Benden or Fort would do to her once they found her.
As silence settled over the room, Mutasim spoke. "Let me see if I'm understanding this." He smiled coldly once he was sure he had H'rel's attention. "You're saying that the northern weyrs have no idea you're at High Reaches, and that they'll somehow never discover you, even though Selenitas Weyr now knows of your existance and you intend to flame Thread." He didn't need to put any emotion in his voice. From that perspective, it sounded just as ludicrous as it was. There was no possible way for them to keep High Reaches a secret. "Elaira is meeting with S'rei and Shmee now. If that's true, you're still here, in the candidate barracks, attempting to recruit candidates without the Weyrleaders' permission. How do you think they'll react if they find out about that before she asks? Or if they decide not to grant her request?"
For many of the candidates here, this would likely be the first time they'd heard Mutasim speak. He was the silent candidate, the strange boy with the shadowed past who'd been left standing at the last two Hatchings. In fact, this was probably more than he'd spoken over the course of the last month. His eyes coursed over the girls in the room for a brief moment. "As I see it, all you're offering that Selenitas can't offer is that queen egg. You might get a couple takers. I don't know how superficial the candidates here are. But your weyr will see war. You're delusional if you believe otherwise. Elaira is even less experienced than Shmee. The blind leading the blind. It doesn't take a genius to figure out what will happen." His expression darkened. "You can, of course, attempt to continue, and hope that the Selenitas Weyrleaders are merciful when they catch you here. They aren't too trusting of dragonriders from northern weyrs at the moment. You might get lucky. They might decide to detain you, instead of strike on sight."
|
|
|
Post by irbre on Mar 6, 2008 22:05:10 GMT -5
Tenmor had likewise been lurking, though farther back than Mutasim. He had heard only catches of the foreign rider's speech, though he found himself feeling uncomfortable and...comfortable. The man spoke passionately, and he was not unkind in addressing them. Some of the others were not doubt getting worked up over such things, but Tenmor found himself hesitating more and more. Yes, he wanted peace, he wanted to get away from all the chaos, more and more each day. But it all sounded so good to be true...
Part of him wanted to go, but doubted the words. It was all too...perfect. A Weyr without the panic and blood, the ash and flame that surrounded the northern Weyrs. There would be calm, blissful calm. But then the question rose. Was it the calm of eternity or the calm before the storm? Tenmor shifted uncomfortably, eyes narrowing. Another question wormed it's way through his heart, twisting his stomach into tight knots. Would they accept someone from Benden, someone like him? He wasn't a rider and had never pledged allegiance to the place of his birth, but needless to say, it left him distraught. This was a slippery slope they were treading.
Mutasim spoke first, which surprised Tenmor slightly, though only for a second. From what little his fellow Candidate had spoken on their last encounters, he had proven himself intelligent and adept, one who was able to read between the lines and pick out the bits that others either chose to ignore or didn't hear. Tenmor paused for a moment, waiting patiently for Mutasim to speak. What he said held truth, of course, but Tenmor couldn't help but feel uneasy with the wording. Finally, once he was sure that Mutasim was finished speaking and the silence had had a good long moment to settle, he spoke up himself, situated a few feet behind Mutasim. He stepped into view of the others, if a bit hesitantly.
"What Mutasim says rings of truth," he announced awkwardly, his voice sounding too loud to himself. "This Weyr was attacked during Threadfall, as many of you well know. There were deaths...quite a few. If this new Weyr has anything to offer, it may only be a brief respite from the inevitable," he continued, the words catching in his throat as he said them. The inevitable. It was, wasn't it? They couldn't stand up to the larger, more powerful Weyrs. Not for long, at least. "And what if you were lying, anyway?" Suspicion crept into his voices and his eyes narrowed, if only for a moment. "For all we know, you could be from Benden, attempting to seduce us or something," he finished lamely.
He took a step back like a speaker stepping off a podium. He did not particularly enjoy making speeches, and his has paled mightily in comparison to Mutasim's. His gaze flicked to the strange rider, though his eyes did not narrow contemptuously. Maybe this man was speaking the truth; maybe he wasn't. Whatever it meant, Tenmor was sure that he would not accompany him. Should not, at least. There was definitely a lure in the promise of safety, if even for a moment, but that could be fleeting. No doubt there would be repercussions from such an action.
|
|
|
Post by mangotango on Mar 7, 2008 17:11:13 GMT -5
Alviar had never meant to eavesdrop. That was rude, after all, and eavesdropping on girls simply made him uncomfortable. That was what he thought the other boys were going to do when they left at first. He very nearly didn't follow them on account of that. But they were the only people he knew- not well, of course. Mutasim didn't look like he'd allow anyone to know him well. Maybe he could get to know Tenmor, if given a chance. Neither of them seemed inclined to become friends over night. Well, that was only practical.
Alviar followed them because after thinking it through they didn't really seem the type to listen at the girls' door. This meant they must be up to something else, and Alviar was as eager as the next boy to know what.
He didn't have a very good spot. If he'd been a little shorter he probably wouldn't have been able see H'rel at all. As it was he had a nice view of the back of the man's head as he addressed other people. Alviar had stopped a little ways behind Tenmor, who'd stopped a little ways behind Mutasim, who'd been lurking in the shadows himself. Not exactly the best seat in the house. He'd just started forward to ask Tenmor what was happening when the other boy stepped forward, speaking with surprising force, and apparently agreeing with something Mutasim said that Alviar must have missed.
What was going on, exactly? Alviar didn't know H'rel, but that didn't bother him- if the Candidate looked askain to everyone he didn't know, he'd go permanently cross-eyed. With a shrug, Alviar followed through on his impulses and went to stand next to Tenmor. "Um, hello..." He spoke in the half-whisper of people unsure whether or not they should even be there, his forehead wrinkled faintly with thought. "Could you tell me what's happened, if it's not too much trouble of course? I got here late..."
|
|
|
Post by Administrator on Mar 10, 2008 21:28:04 GMT -5
H'rel flushed. Why would someone him in such an... accusatory manner? Maybe this boy was suspicious. This cheered him slightly. He had a right to be suspicious, he thought with forced cheer. He would be suspicious, too, he figured. Nasty Northern weyrs when, like a ray of sunshine, High Reaches Weyr came to be be. It was hard to believe. Smiling now, he shook his head at Mutasim. "No, no, you see, we know you all don't talk to the other Weyrs, and we trust you to keep us a secret. Would you turn us in?" he asked, positive his cute charm would work on Muta. "As for flaming Thread, we're only doing the areas around the Weyr, or the mountains. Fort doesn't seem to think mountains are important enough to protect, but we know their picturesque beauty is something that must be protected at all costs!" He beamed around again.
Unfortunately, he had no response to Muta's second point. The smile faded. "There is no reason Shmee would deny us," he replied stubbornly. "She's a kind woman. She'll understand why we need candidates and weyrlings," he told them eagerly. Perhaps H'rel was unable to comprehend that she might say no. He was obviously extremely into what he was saying, and being told he was wrong probably was something he would refuse to believe. Elaira could be very charismatic, and H'rel had fallen under the spell of her smooth words.
His last words still made him uneasy. "She's not blind!" he snapped. Was this little boy now insulting Elaira?! He had never seen just how much sense the woman had made! "You don't understand. Perhaps I'm not the best messenger of her ideas. I'm positive your Weyrleaders will see what she means. Elaira makes perfect sense. You should hear her speak. She's really smart." Yes, this was it. "I could give you a lift back to High Reaches to hear her, if you want. I could bring you right back after if you still don't like her," he suggested. The boy would see the sense after that. Of course that was what would happen. Who could resist Elaira's speeches?
Shaking his head at Tenmor, he replied, "We know Selenitas has been attacked. We sympathize, but we are much safer. Since they don't know we exist, we'll be completely secluded. It will be a wonderful life," he added boldly. "No surprise attack because they don't know that we exist. Doesn't that make sense?" he asked, looking Tenmor over. It was sad that the first suspicious boy was making everyone jumpier. No matter- they would see the light. And it wasn't as though they had to come...
Ah! A potential convert! Smiling at Alviar, H'rel waved happily. "Hello! I'm H'rel, rider of green Mevineth! I was just telling your friends about this new Weyr. It's very peaceful, and we need candidates. No wars at all- would you be interested?" Smiling in a friendly manner, he ran a hand through his hair in a relaxed way, as if to show him that his calm manner meant he came from a land of peace. If it appealed to the boy, that means his job was being done right. Wouldn't Elaira be pleased?
|
|
Requiem
Weyrleader S'rei WM M?ta Rider A'nd Harper/Handler Dmitri Weyrbrat Miguel
Posts: 2,861
|
Post by Requiem on Mar 11, 2008 16:06:14 GMT -5
The small candidate raised an eyebrow skeptically, making it clear that his lack of verbal response was born more out of a desire to wait until his voice wouldn't tangle with H'rel's than any shift in his position. Mutasim was more than willing to allow the greenrider a chance to dig his own illogical grave. His gaze flicked to his two shadows. At first it had surprised him, but whether due to morbid curiosity or something else, Tenmor and Alviar seemed to turn up an awful lot lately. He couldn't quite hold back the contemptuous laugh at H'rel's suggestion, though. Muta? Go with some idiot greenrider back to the north, with only the man's word that he could return if he didn't like this Elaira? Ridiculous! Might as well throw himself from the cliff and save everyone the hassle.
Although Mutasim was tempted to break his silence when H'rel leveled his wherry-brained logic against Tenmor, the boy refrained. Tenmor, as evidenced by his speech - and likely due to his upbringing at Benden - was not easily duped. He respected his fellow enough not to insult his intelligence by implying that H'rel might sway him, even if he couldn't say that he particularly liked the candidate. But when the sharding rider decided to aim his propaganda at the impressionable Alviar? A flare of anger turned his gaze cold and deadly. Too many turns had he spent at Bitra, struggling to keep the members of his den from falling into the countless traps waiting to snare the naive. He didn't consciously realize that he had come to view Tenmor and Alviar as his den. But Muta was possessive by nature. He was not about to let H'rel steal either of them away!
His relaxed posture straightened as he moved to the center of the doorway, a physical barrier between H'rel and Alviar. If anything, Mutasim's voice had softened. Deepened. He'd been merely observant before. Now? He was on the attack. "A northern weyr," he sneered, his voice coming out as an angry hiss. "With riders who have seen enough blood and ichor to make it commonplace at its head. And if your illustrious Elaira truly intends to keep the peace?" His tone made it clear he thought that highly doubtful. "Selenitas is infested with Northern spies. We won't have to tell them anything. Now, at this moment, C'leon and R'anatar are likely hearing all about High Reaches and their vaunted ideals. From your own mouth, you condemn your friends."
He smiled tightly. Darkly. "I wonder how long it will take. A sevenday? A month? If you're lucky, they'll attack while you're here, trying to get us children to come to your peaceful, safe weyr. Shmee is not kind, but she isn't cruel enough to send her weyrlings and candidates to certain death." Mutasim turned to his classmates, the conviction in his voice gathering volume.
"It sounds pretty, doesn't it, this talk of peace? Wonderful. Too wonderful. Elaira is hunted by Fort and Benden. She will die, as will anyone who joins her cause. Violently. Selenitas has its problems, but at least here we have people who will fight, who can protect us. Selenitas stands a chance. High Reaches will be slaughtered. If you're suicidal, by all means, join them!" His gaze shifted to snare on H'rel. "Are you suicidal, greenrider?"
|
|
|
Post by randi on Mar 11, 2008 21:54:49 GMT -5
At Sikowy's question, she felt a tad bit unhappy that it would be suspected of the greenrider to be a kidnapper. He seemed so... happy. He just didn't seem the bad type, but, then again, she had a tendency to brand everyone that way. After all, some 'rider wouldn't just burst in and start talking about all this peace if he was just going to kidnap them, right?
As H'rel spoke again, she found herself with a frown on her face. Despite her want to believe him, Ellanie couldn't help but find herself disagreeing with H'rel. Just because they said everything was going to be peaceful, never found, and safe, didn't mean anything, did it? Things happen, and the unexpected occurs all the time. Before she could voice her doubts, she heard more people speak, and turned to see more boys.
As Mutasim, she was fairly certain of who he was, spoke, she felt her own doubts grow. Of course, she wouldn't have left Selenitas for all the chances at Impressing a dragon in the world, but what he said should make sense to everyone who was tempted as well. As the second boy spoke, her agreement with them increased. Benden and Fort wouldn't just let a missing queen go missing, much less one near Flight, would they?
The cruelty with which Mutasim put down H'rel's latest arguement made her bite her lip. The boys were right, of course. Almost everyone who had spoken had been skeptical, and with good reason. Her voice rose again, not quiet this time, but firm, confident. "He's right. Benden and Fort aren't going to let a queen go missing, especially not Fort with one dead already. They'll find you, H'rel. And if it's Benden... Don't you see?" She was trying to reason with a wall, she felt, but she had to try. There was no reason to send this man off to a horrid fate that she would likely have nightmares over if she thought too much more on it without trying to make him understand.
"They'll search the old Weyrs. With Threadfall, you won't have had the time to carve out a different one. They'll search and they'll find you." Her voice pleaded, "When they do, H'rel, they aren't going to be forgiving. Do you want Mevineth to suffer from the claws of those whose war drove you from your home?" She bit her lip again and looked down, feeling guilty for saying it, but hoped that reason might penetrate his ideas of peace. She tried to clear her mind, to prevent the scenario from playing out in her mind. She felt sick just thinking about it.
|
|
|
Post by irbre on Mar 12, 2008 22:43:22 GMT -5
Tenmor glanced over sharply when Alviar appeared next to him, something like relief softening his tight features. He wasn't as worried about treading lightly around Alviar, since his fellow Candidate was a good deal more easy going than Mutasim. He glanced back at the man, though was not about to hold out on Alviar. He suspected that the taller boy should know just as much as the others, though Tenmor fully intended to shorten and sweeten the conversation, as well as bending it a little in his own direction.
"Basically, this man is a greenrider. He has come from another Weyr, one that his new Weyrwoman is attempting to form. He says that it is to be a free Weyr, without the influences of the north. They will apparently be peaceful, though I doubt that the northern Weyrs are content with them to live alone. These riders want Candidates for a Clutch their Queen has laid, and there is apparently a Queen egg in the batch. He has so far abdicated from telling us how they will remain unattached, though," Tenmor added with narrowing eyes. "He insists that we will be safe, but I highly doubt Benden would let another Weyr pop up, even if it will attempt to remain neutral. If we aren't safe here, I don't see how we'd be safe at a new, unestablished Weyr," he finished bluntly, arms crossed tightly over his chest. It was not so much that he didn't trust this man's words, it was more than he didn't trust in the ability for these strange riders to follow through with their promises. If Selentinas had been brutally attacked, how devastating would it be for an attack on a new, floundering Weyr?
Tenmor shifted uncomfortably when H'rel addressed him. "How long will you be able to maintain such a secret, then? Not forever, I can assure you. Benden is especially good at figuring things out and for all you know there could be spies in your number, waiting to report you when you are weakest." He moved closer to Alviar, almost protectively, still watching the greenrider through narrowed eyes. "Your promises are empty without the ability to carry through with them. How many riders do you have? Hardly enough, I would hazard to guess."
His gaze flicked to Mutasim as he began to speak again. Although he didn't know the other that well, he could tell that his fellow Candidate was angry, and why? He respected Mutasim a great deal more now than before, for the short, and decidedly dangerous, boy was creating verbal war with the greenrider. He was also making H'rel anxious, Tenmor noted from the way the greenrider had snapped at Muta earlier. Mutasim's talk of spies of Selentinas made him uncomfortable, though. Did he believe that Tenmor was a spy? Tenmor himself hated Benden with a passion, but others could assume he was lying if they truly wanted to. He ran a nervous hand through his hair, gaze now flicking around the room to the other Candidates. Another one of the Candidates had taken up the argument, this time a girl, though hers was much kinder and more sorrowful. Tenmor sighed to himself, shaking his head. He did not enjoy arguments in the least.
|
|
|
Post by mangotango on Mar 13, 2008 21:44:44 GMT -5
Alviar smiled at the Greenrider. Yes, that did sound lovely. It sounded wonderful and perfect, and the fact that the man very clearly believed it went a long way to cementing the claims. He didn't have the chance to say anything for awhile, though- he was being polite and very conscious of not interrupting anyone. And, quite suddenly, everyone seemed to want to speak. Alviar listened, but for quite awhile he wasn't quite sure what was going on.
Tenmor's explanation did what it was supposed to- explain. However, Alviar was still confused. It seemed so perfect! H'rel believed it, and he was a Rider! Surely Riders would never pick a plan where so many things were going to go wrong... That didn't make any sense at all! He frowned, trying to find the place where everything that everyone said was true. He believed Mutasim- he was just as certain as that Greenrider was. And Tenmor seemed the sensible sort. He couldn't see why either would lie, especially not to him.
No wars. Peace. Harmony. It sounded so serene and beautiful... "Surely it can't be all that bad?" He asked Mutasim, almost timidly. He didn't want to upset the boy more then he already was. He felt like he was treading on eggshells. Under the circumstances, he didn't notice that both Mutasim and Tenmor had abruptly closed ranks to block him off from H'rel- thanks to his height he could still see over his "protector's" head. "Right?" His brown eyes searched for H'rel's thinking maybe he just hadn't explained properly. Riders may be mistaken, but how could dreams of peace and love be wrong?
|
|
|
Post by Administrator on Mar 19, 2008 17:17:56 GMT -5
A small scowl formed on H'rel's fine features. He could tell this little boy was just trying to get on his nerves now. "Of course Elaira's already thought of this," he told him with an air of being patient, in an obviously condescending way. Well, he didn't really know what Elaira would say, but he could venture a guess. "Fort and Benden are at an even more worse war than before. They're fighting over Ista Island right now-- and Fort is winning. Do you really think they'll leave their posts there to go attack a Weyr that isn't doing harm against them?" He chuckled, his eyes glittering as he stared Muta down. However, he caught himself. No, he was a lover, not a hater. As Elaira said, hate led to war. If love was what led everyone to a peaceful victory... His body became less tense. Yes, be a lover, not a hater. "I know it may be difficult to comprehend, but I can assure you, there is nothing better to be found in Pern!" he told them fervently. "They'll forget all about us with all their useless fighting!"
Turning to Ellanie, he smiled feverishly. "Mevineth knows that Elaira is telling the truth," he said firmly, faithfully. He trusted Elaira with his life. She knew what she was doing. "They won't search the old Weyrs because they'll forget about us. Benden is keeping them busy." He sighed. "I wish Pern could be... more peaceful. But I'm sure that once we're big, and we can spread to other Weyrs, they'll realize that we're right. I'm sure Selenitas will see that, too." This elicited a positive response from a couple candidates. Already, a few headed out the door. H'rel beamed. Elaira would be so proud of his people skills!
He sighed at Tenmor. "Just think about what I'm saying. We're right," he told him positively. "Just think! If you come... there will be so many things to explore! None of this stern discipline. It's completely free!" A couple more candidates, tempted by this way of life, also went out the door to find the dragons that would take them to High Reaches.
"It isn't bad at all!" H'rel told Alviar excitedly. He didn't seem to notice that he was being blocked. He was so excited to spread the ways of High Reaches that nothing seemed to stop him. "It's completely peaceful, it's relaxing, it's so beautiful, too!" However, he paused suddenly.
Mine, they're trying to rid themselves of us![/color] Mevineth told him frantically. H'rel paused, then, without warning, seized a young candidate up, lifting her into his arms. She screeched, struggling frantically.
"We need you, little one!" H'rel told her desperately, trying to shush her. "Send a flitter message to Elaira if you're interested!" With that, he shot out the door, running as quickly as he could with the crying girl in his arms. He could tell she wanted to come. She had had that look in her eyes. She wanted this. Their job was done. They had candidates.[/size]
|
|
Requiem
Weyrleader S'rei WM M?ta Rider A'nd Harper/Handler Dmitri Weyrbrat Miguel
Posts: 2,861
|
Post by Requiem on Mar 22, 2008 17:17:22 GMT -5
This H'rel had an answer for everything. It was frustrating to Mutasim, not because the greenrider was right - he wasn't - but because all this talk of peace and rainbows and fluff was appealing to kids who hadn't seen the truth, who'd either witnessed no violence but that which had touched Selenitas lately or who hadn't seen enough in the north to lose that sense of sharding optimism. People aren't inherently good or peaceful. Strip away the comforts and trappings of life, and all are but savages, tearing one another apart for the last scrap of food. Some might reject their baser natures, but there would always be those who didn't. And these people? They would surely destroy those who were either too weak or too obstinate to defend themselves. The path of least resistance.
Muta didn't really have anything against H'rel. The greenrider was a glaring fool, yes, but little else. He was merely taken in by his own lies. The young candidate fought against the ideas that, even now, addled the minds of the hopeful and the lost. He stepped aside to allow the candidates to pass; trying to physically detain them would only help H'rel's cause, and he had not the strength to do so without using violence.
He found himself rendered silent. Not because H'rel's arguments were sound. Hardly. There were plenty enough holes for Mutasim to take advantage of. The greenrider was obviously no tactician. Rather, he saw that the people who had seemed uncertain were now speaking out. They'd heard the truth. They were speaking it. As more and more of them spoke, the truth seemed to latch onto the souls of those near them. Some were too easily led to this fantasy weyr, and would not be swayed, but the ones that could...Mutasim had already started the necessary chain reaction. He was not given to speaking when he didn't have to, and so allowed the conversation to run its course, even though it pained him every time some hapless fool walked past him and toward the dragons that waited to ferry them to their deaths.
But when H'rel dared to speak to Alviar again, Muta visibly bared his teeth at the man. He turned to the taller lad, the one that he would not allow H'rel to take with him, even if he had to hogtie the older boy. Not this one. This one - he was too easily tricked, too easily drawn in. And he followed Muta. How could the Bitran allow one of his to choose such a life for themselves? He couldn't!
Though his gaze was intense, his tone softened, attempting to counteract H'rel's influence on Alviar. "They believe what they say. They believe it will be peaceful. But as long as there are people like those at Benden, the peaceful will be rooted out and cut down. It's simply the way of things. Like how a feline will turn to the weakest, sickliest animal and cut it off from the herd, High Reaches will be consumed by the other weyrs of the north. For the eggs of the senior queen, if nothing else. It is the way of things. No amount of hopes and dreams and pretty words will ever change that. Do you understand, Alviar? H'rel doesn't believe he's wrong, but he hasn't seen the truth. He doesn't know what will happen. I have seen men at their worst. Men like those at Benden. There is only one way for this to end." He allowed a small amount of emotion to come into his voice, though he hated to reveal so much of himself, the volume softening. "Don't make me bury another friend, Alviar."
So intent was he on his fellow candidate that he noticed what was happening with the greenrider too late. He lunged for H'rel. He'd let the other candidates go, but this girl was clearly being taken against her will! Unfortunately, his reaction was too late, Mutasim's slight frame careening off the rider and slamming into the nearby wall. Grunting, he landed on one knee, dark eyes flashing up to those who crowded the doorway. "This is their peace!" With a growl, the boy was up and running after the weeping girl, but he'd bruised his knee, and the rider outpaced him. Mutasim drew to a halt at the entrance to the barracks, watching as the green disappeared Between.
|
|