I Confide in Wolves at Night [Cr'oph]

[Lotty]

K'sel probably visited so often that the locals were becoming concerned and confused about his actual weyr of residence. It had to be something along the lines of the fifth time this week that his black head of hair was seen bobbing up and down the halls of Selenitas. Being considerate enough, the brownrider had pitied the staff who remembered him from so long ago as one of their native sons, and had taken to the rare act of actually wearing his knots to prevent any inevitable mix ups. It wasn't a decision made lightly by any means. He hated the damn things, especially now with the judgements of the Summit bearing down on his everyday life; those cords on his shoulder almost became a physical representation of that tension, but at least today he wasn't going to let it spoil his mission. He had his brother he needed to visit - he had a question of immense importance - but he also had an A'emi to see, and an Els…

It had all begun the day before. He was feeling stretched too thin, and early that evening, after dinner, he had sat in a chair with Kephe on his lap, ready to tell another riveting ghost story when halfway though he found himself cracking his jaw open wide for a yawn and his eyelids droop low until he finally ended his tale with a sawing snore. All before the moons even rose into the sky. Now, the man had always appreciated a good nap - who didn't - but the involuntary nature of the sudden sleep had him wondering if this was a sign that he had finally gotten old.

Well… not old. He was only teetering on the edge of twenty nine, he knew that he wasn't at risk for wrinkles or gray hairs or other vanities. He was more worried that he had grown complacent. That he was now stagnant and living blissfully in a little rut, and that soon he'd be early to bed and early to rise without so much as taking the smallest of excursions from daily routine. That not long from now Kephe wouldn't think of him as some swashbuckling adventurer, but instead as some square who wouldn't stop talking nostalgically about halcyon days. K'sel didn't want to die that way, collecting dust and cobwebs before returning to the earth, and in his dark basking, he decided that he would ease his mind in the company of friends. He didn't want to worry Nephele with his problems any more than he had to and knew that between his brother and old wingmates he'd get enough flak for being ridiculous that he'd eventually drop the subject out of mind.

Arietta on the other hand, very much liked routine, thank you very much, and she had been silently peeved at her owner the entire morning as he had forgotten in his mad rush, to simply reward her with her daily treat, and no amount of puppy eyes or whining seemed to snap K'sel out of his preoccupied state. What had she done wrong? Mojo had popped in and gotten his, Slainte was curled up on his arm and content with his fair share… yet nothing for the adorable Etti? The spotted and patched canine was vexed, but she stayed loyally by his side getting white and gray hair on the rider's black pants regardless, ever hoping that he would take a detour to the kitchens and pay her the debt he so obviously owed her. That was until in passing she sniffed about at the air, and caught a strangely familiar scent and began padding off to follow it. It was the smell of a treat she just knew it, with all the aromas of the food Kephe dropped on a regular basis! She couldn't help but pick up her pace and take the spritely steps ahead and around the corner in front of her owner. With a furrowed brow, K'sel called after her, soft but stern, and picked his feet up at a light jog after her, but it was too late.

He caught her with her nose half way in another man's pocket as she sniffed him out and sulked for whatever food he may harbor. The brownrider, finding this to be rather uncharacteristically rude for his companion, snapped his fingers again, "Etti," before trying to usher her back from the redheaded man. "My apologies," he said instinctually before questioning his four footed friend, "what has gotten into you?" He looked up again at the receiving end of Arietta's bad behavior and cocked his in muted confusion. Was it that guy from his weyr… no… he didn't remember the mustache thing going on…. hmmmm.

[Rei]

Cr’oph smiled at the Razorclaw perched on the padded leather bracer that covered his forearm. It was odd to think that the razorclaw was now the longest living pet he had ever owned. It made him wonder how long the avians lived. At seven turns Raven wasn’t the youngest anymore but he hardly seemed to be showing anything in the way of symptoms of aging either. In fact the bird seemed to be in the prime of his life still. The bronzer stroked a hand once over the glossy feathers on the razorclaw's back gaining a pleased whistle from the creature. “Yes I know your gorgeous.” Cr'oph remarked affectionately to the bird as Raven fluffed up his feathers and spread his wings. The predatory avian, as always, soaked up the murmured affectionate praise and poised himself in a way that brought out his best characteristics. Laughing the bronzer reached into his pocket and pulled out a small strip of dried tunnel snake which he offered the bird.

“Alright then. Praise and treat time done. How about we let you stretch your wings huh old friend?” With that the man whistled two sharp notes to the bird and tossed it into the air. With nary a cry the bird took flight and began his circle of the massive weyrbowl on near silent wings. Cr’oph smiled to himself as he leaned against the wall and watched the razorclaw. It never ceased to amaze him. The power and speed the bird displayed. The aerial prowess that no dragon could hope to match. Not even the most skilled green could dive at those speeds nor twist and turn with such fast and precise accuracy. He felt the stirring in the back of his mind before Mavenath spoke. As much as I would like to argue with you, upon watching the creature I have to admit you are right. Though they are built much different then we ourselves. So comparing us is not truly fair.

The bronzer broadcasted a sense of amusement at his dragon’s comment to which Mavenath gave the equivalent of a mental snort. Well it’s true. This time Cr’oph had to laugh as he slid down the wall to sit and watch his bird dance an cavort though the streams of sunlight filtering down in the enclosed weyrbowl. I’m not saying that it’s not. It’s just very typically bronze of you to try and protect your sense of ego. As his bronze started to reply Cr’oph tilted his head at the sounds of footsteps. Someone was coming. Really he shouldn’t be caught lounging around like some child but before he could rise a canine of all things turned the corner and jauntily padded over to him.

Eyebrow rising he examined the canine. “Well hello there. I don’t think you and I have had the pleasure of meeting?” To be honest he really didn’t know who in the weyr had a dog and who didn’t anymore. Hmm. He held the back of his hand out for the canine to sniff but she ignored him to instead try and stuff a nose down the pocket which held the dried jerky for Raven. Rather then being irritated Cr’oph was amused. He was just about to tease the canine about her boldness when her owner turned the corner and called to her. The bronzer smiled slightly as Etti, as she was called, was ushered away from him.

“Oh you don’t have to apologize. She wasn’t hurting anything.” Nope she obviously just wanted a treat. Which was pretty typical of animals. Feed them often enough and you’ll never get rid of them. Rising back to his feet Cr’oph examined the man before him, a hand rubbing at the scruff on his jaw. Hmm. The man seemed rather familiar. He knew he didn’t live here at Selenitas. At least not currently. The bronzer took pains to make sure he could recognize everyone living in his weyr now. He hadn’t cared so much turns ago. Then it clicked. This one had been at Burimyu. Not the entire time no but good few months before they merged one of the greenriders had brought him in. It was too bad he could not remember the guy’s name.

Before he had really thought out the sentence he suddenly blurted. “You were scruffy and hobo looking quite a few turns ago weren’t you?” Mavenath said nothing, though his amusement was palatable, as he kept a close watch on the peculiar meeting. This could turn out rather interesting in the end. Especially seeing as how Raven had finally taken notice and began to circle back in that direction.

[Lotty]

A bronzerider. Those were bronzerider knots were they not? So no, it wasn't that guy he knew up in Inverness…. that guy whose blue caught Nuoth that one time. Must have been a twin. Or an evil doppelganger (because clearly the one on a shiny was always the bad guy). Personally K'sel was going to go with the latter, and tell his son about it to further feed the child's love of the unexplained. If nothing else it would make something of a humorous anecdote that Kephe could look back on and shake his head at.

But his musings were interrupted then. There was a pause as he scratched Etti behind the ears and the brownrider canted his head in the most curious manner before shaking off instinct and replying kindly enough, "Scruffy and hobo looking?" Hobo looking wasn't quite right…

He had been a hobo. Legitimately.

Not just that, but royalty among them. This guy needed to get it straight, and after a moments thought K'sel took it upon himself to correct the bronzerider, "Actually, in some parts I was considered King," he said it in a voice that half indicated sincerity despite the relative ridiculousness of what he was saying, "Even now I like to think I retain my title, but you know, it is hard to do so with weyrmates…" he ran a hand over his jaw, noting the stubble steadily lining upon his chin and estimating exactly how much scruff would suffice before Nephele ordered it all off again. He had less than a week's time honestly. The hair on his head however she didn't mind, that could go on for awhile. Small blessings.

"Are you single I take it?" It seemed like a non sequitur but he eventually explained, as he rose to his feet and lulled his canine in a peaceful spot sitting at his side. She was reluctantly confined to one action - the uneasy glance she gave the circling Razorclaw. K'sel was privately aware of Etti's nerves, and settled a hand on her head briefly as his chin tilted up to bring himself closer in line with Cr'oph's gaze. Even at full height though, it was a troubling fact for the skinny rider that he had to look up at all, though this small bit was one he overcame with an over-sure stance that pulled his whole body up on a string and tucked his arms dutifully behind his back, "Forgive me if I am wrong, but I remember you a whole lot less mustachio'd. With more eyeliner," maybe, that bit was a fog, "I figured a woman being behind every well groomed man. Or well… another man behind a well groomed man. You catch my drift…"

Because K'sel was no sexist. Equal opportunity and all.

"What I don't remember is your name. We can trade. K'sel of Pettahth… and of course Etti…" he pulled a hand out for a shake, offering it there in the awkward space between their bodies.

[Rei]

“King?” Cr’oph repeated his voice holding just a touch of skepticism. Okay then. Obviously this guy was attempting to joke with him right? Even if his tone was bordering on the serious. Mavenath was highly amused by this point, the bronze’s full attention being given to the rather interesting conversation his rider was having. You should give him a bow Crymine. It is not everyday that one meets royalty. I dare say you doth not want to offend. The bronze purred somewhere in the back of Cr’oph’s head even as he moved from his weyr to make his way to the edge of his ledge. Flopping there the bronze canted his head so he could better regard the two rider’s across the way his tail dangling off his ledge, the tip flicking idly. Such high born company you keep. I am ashamed you take his words in jest. The large male joked. His neck arching as he looked over the weyr. It was really a shame the summit had to go the way of the trials. Had they not he would be leader now, having been the most recent to catch Millieth. But instead it was his sire who held the title. Hopefully not for much longer.

The rider couldn’t help but be amused. We talk of hobo kings and your mind immediately goes to Weyrleader. And you say that I have problems staying on track. A slight smirk played across the bronzer’s lips as his dragon gave a slightly disgruntled reply. Turning his attention back to K’sel he gave a soft snort and an apologetic look. “My apologies for the lapse in attention your majesty. Mavenath always has some sort of comment to make.” The addition of the title was more made in jest then anything resembling sarcasm and Cr’oph made sure to color his tone accordingly. He didn’t want the other man to thing that he was trying to offend him. With a small smile he moved on. “I am now yes. Though I have an ex weyrmate and daughter who reside in Inverness now. Not sure if you have met her or not. Jazheera of blue Dhavalth?” A glance was given his razorclaw but the bird seemed simply curious. His quick swing-by’s did not carry with them any signs of threat so he ignored the bird for the moment.

A laugh actually left Cr’oph’s throat at the last comment the man made. “With hair down almost past my ass? Yes. Funnily enough Jazheera didn’t mind any of that. I just got tired of being the troubled teenager eventually I guess.” From across the way Mavenath bugled and the bronzer snorted. “Okay so maybe Mavenath had something to do with it as well.” Because yes it wasn’t like you could be taken seriously as a bronzer when your whole appearance screamed rebel without a cause. Finally taking K’sel’s hand to give it a firm shake Cr’oph gave a slight nod. “Cr’oph of the previously mentioned Mavenath.” Releasing the man’s hand he crouched and smiled at the dog. “Well hello there Etti. I’m glad to finally have a name to put to snout.” With that he pulled a piece of beef jerky out of his pocket and held it out before him in clear indication that the canine could have if it she so chose.

It was the appearance of the jerky that changed Raven’s mind. The razorclaw had always been a rather jealous bird and the fact that the canine was getting undivided attention and a treat did not sit well with him. With some quick maneuvering of his body and wings, the falcon had whipped around and tilted his streamlined body into a dive. Faster and faster he dropped the tips of his wings and tail flicking here and there to make minute adjustments in his trajectory before he whipped past the bronzer and the canine, one set of talons ripping the jerky out of Cr’oph’s hand while the other set slashed out at Etti’s nose. Whether he made contact or not Raven twisted to adjust himself and whipped by K’sel’s head close enough for the brownrider to feel the displaced air on his face.

[Lotty]

It was strange. K'sel's rising level of intolerance was due not at all to Cr'oph himself… but to what? His jaw clenched even underneath the guise of a smile as he tried to pinpoint why it was that he suddenly felt like he was walking a tightrope over a pool with circling sharks. It was all escaping him though, and he tried to push down that lump in his throat with more cheeky comments with which the bronzerider could line his pockets, "A king yes. I figured emperor was slightly too pretentious for the monarchy of traveling types, though properly ironic for my tastes… Then I aimed for something that denoted that I was chosen by popular consensus, and didn't find any such designation with the proper ring, so the good kind King of the Hobos I am." Though they were a small group all in all, perhaps he shouldn't begrudge the man for not immediately bowing. Ha.

"Don't dragons always have some sort of comment to make?" K'sel in that matter was at least understanding. He very rarely got by without one of Pettahth's comments, that didn't mean he was going to let the other rider get by. After all, this was a bronzer, he was going to at least have a little bit of fun of the innocent sort. Doing his best to keep it in the most joking manner the brownrider moved his hand out to let his fingers dangle weakly. The notion was clear, if he was really sorry he should kiss his majesty's fingers, and he cocked his eyebrow before letting his hand float back down. Sure he lacked a big gaudy ring there… you know the sort with the royal seals that were meant to be honored… but it made sense that he wouldn't. This was a leader of vagabonds not landowners, "You have the forgiveness of thy liege in any case."

A pause.

"I can not say I know Jazheera, but I am certain that I have crossed paths with her. Perhaps even our children have been playmates, since I have my own toddling disaster," see… it was but a small world after all, and he continued to ramble on.

"Aw, well Cr'oph of Mavenath that is just a damn shame. I quite miss my troubled teenager self. You should channel yours more often you know. Go out in a field to scream out your angst… though I suppose I get away with much too much but I digress," because clearly he wasn't a bronzerider that was expected to be in charge of anything or to know any better. The stereotype was that he'd be level headed and loyal, and while K'sel could be startling in his frankness, he didn't particularly consider himself so constantly cool. How boring that would be.

The thought loomed over him like a curse though. Such a self fulfilling prophecy. He need only ask for something to spice up life and he would have it right then. The catalyst of course was Etti. Etti by way of Raven. It turned into quite the complicated series of events with the canine stretching her nose out to sniff out the jerky and the avian angling in towards them. As she opened her mouth to gently take the treat as she had been trained only to be attacked by the circling bird, one talon slicing over the canine's muzzle. She snapped in response with little regard to what might have been in the way of her teeth. The normally quiet pet even yelped, and brought K'sel to attention as his eyes widened, "Etti! You ok!?" He thought for a second, "Oh shit, Cr'oph you ok?" After all, Etti was the one with the teeth.

[Rei]

Cr’oph couldn’t help but smile really. He was amused at the very least and the brownrider did not make bad company so far. Pretty amiable guy it seemed and he had a pretty good sense of humor as well. Could hardly regret running into him at any rate. Day to day life got a little boring without something to spice it up every once and awhile after all he mused to himself as he waited for the dog to take the offered treat. He became aware of Raven far too late to do anything about it. In fact the razorclaw was nothing more than a blur of brownish feathers as he shot past with nary a cry and left his mark on the canine while also wresting the jerky from his handler. As the bird swung around and back out into the open air of the weyrbowl Etti’s teeth closed on the bronzer’s hand and he jerked it back with a curse. Thankfully the canine had snapped and immediately let go instead of bearing down. But it still hurt like sharding hell.

To his credit however the rider didn’t blame the canine. Cradling the bleeding appendage, and grimacing, his grey blue eyes flicked to the retreating form of his circling bird. “Little feathery bastard.” He murmured before he winced and then raised his hand to survey the damage. Quite a few puncture wounds and it was already starting to swell, just lovely. Cr’oph glanced K’sel’s direction then and tried to smile in what he hoped was a reassuring manner, but it probably just came off as awkward and pained. “Eh I’ve had worse. It’ll be okay. Not really her fault anyway.” With that he gestured with his head in Raven’s direction. “I should have known better. He gets incredibly jealous and I wasn’t paying enough attention to what he was doing.” As per usual. Stuff a sock in it Mave. I don’t think there is one big enough. Then bite a log or something. I’ll think about it. A glare was shot the ledge where his bronze was lounging, the large male’s head clearly turned in their direction, but Cr’oph let it go. They bantered often enough that he could clearly tell that the dragon was just poking fun at him with no intent of real meaning behind it. After all, the dragon was hardly worried about his bonded dying over some little bite.

“You wouldn’t happen to have anything in the way of a wrapping or something with you would you?” The bronzer asked with only mild hopefulness. He didn’t honestly feel like going to the infirmary right that second and they weren’t going to do anything there besides cleanse and wrap it anyway. A brief glance at the bite wounds had told the bronzer that. None of them had torn or were bad enough for stitches and he had honestly borne much worse during the heat of battle during the war. A flicker of movement caught his attention again and Cr’oph turned to see Raven making a beeline for K’sel. Honestly?

A sharp whistle from the bronzer caused the bird to flip whip himself around with a disgruntled cry but he obeyed and winged outward before banking and making his way towards Mavenath. The bird settled himself on one of the bronze’s neck ridges and fluffed his feathers at the dragon before clacking his beak, clearly not completely at ease with perching upon the larger predator. But the razorclaw had been trained to do so and had become at least partially desensitized to the dragon’s presence. As long as Mavenath stayed mostly still the bird would stay there until called off. Most times anyway.

With a grin that was mostly amused but also slightly pained the bronzerider chuckled. “Remember what you said about nipping off to some field and screaming out my angst? Sounds like a good idea about now. I honestly don’t know why he is being such a jealous bitch. He’s worse than having a woman at times.”

[Lotty]

Despite the fact that Cr'oph was clearly bleeding, the bronzerider seemed to be surprisingly at peace with it all. Or at least at peace with K'sel's continued presence, which shocked the shit right out of the brownrider. He had been expecting the absolute worst of reactions, but instead the vitriol seemed to be saved for the pet razorclaw. The cursing made him feel that much less guilty when he turned his own glare to the avian as it circled around again in the weyrbowl. He very well would have shaken his fist too, but instead he turned to momentarily care for Etti, who had cowered my K'sel's feet to growl at the circling feather-duster. With a reassuring hand on the canine's head he assured her in his cooing voice that she would be fine, "It's just a scratch lovely. You're going to be ok, calm down…" It was so unlike her to be worked up that he nearly was at a loss for what to do, but assumed that calm was rewarded by more of the same in return, so he made the effort not to worry or fret.

He was kneeling next to her and tending to her wound with a licked thumb by the time the bronzer asked for a wrap. Funnily enough, the canine was first to respond with something of a piteous whine akin to a plea for forgiveness, but it was just as quickly followed up by K'sel's search through his pockets. It just might have been a weird tick that stuck with him from childhood, but it was rare for him to be without a clean handkerchief if he could help it. They were silly, and frivolous, and seemed to be a part of some kind of antiquated past, but there he was pulling a folded white square out of trousers, "I haven't sneezed into it, I swear." He held out the cloth to the man, before he caught the slight motions of the other and followed his eyeline to the sky.

Fuck. It was back. The damn thing was coming right at him, and in typical K'sel stubbornness he had his hands poised to… karate chop it or something. There wasn't much of a plan there, he just knew he didn't want his eyes clawed out. The canine too perked her ears and bared her teeth in alarm. She wanted a piece of Raven too. Luckily it wouldn't come to that, as the bird was called off just in time. He and Arietta were safe then, and lulled back into a state of relative ease for the moment. Of course, there was still the small shred of guilt he felt about the whole incident. As much as he typically hated metallics and their riders there usually wasn't much reason to want to see them hurt. After all, hurting them only created much whining and more drama than it was worth in his own previous experiences. More importantly, the brownrider had to begrudgingly admit that Cr'oph was rather pleasant, and if the kindness was all a ruse then he certainly wasn't picking up on it.

He was mostly just sensing that the guy was in some degree of pain. Numbweed. The Guy needed some numbweed, but he probably knew that much good and well. Instead K'sel stood by and listened as the man rightfully griped about his pet and nodded along in something close to commiseration, "Well… considering you have just been bit there is a good chance you won't be screaming so much as howling. Don't get caught out with Timor and Belior full in the sky, Selenitas will have a Cr'ophwolf… a Weredog on the loose." He smiled, much appreciating where his imagination was taking him with this one. Kephe would be so proud of his father in this moment, "After all, my son is convinced that Etti is a magical being… so there must be some truth to it yes?"

[Rei]

He took the handkerchief with a definite look of appreciation and then busied himself with wrapping it tightly around his hand to try and stop the bleeding. Could have been much worse he knew. He’d end up at the healers sooner rather than later but it was fine for now. No sense in being a baby about it. A mild glare as offered the razorclaw perched across the way who had finally settled enough to preen his feathers as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. It really was the bronzer’s fault anyway and he knew that. Raven was typically an ultra-jealous creature and he should have called the bird off before interacting with the canine. With an apologetic look tossed at the canine Cr’oph shifted and took another peak under the makeshift bandage to get a look at the punctures. They would certainly make using the hand a bit difficult in the coming days. Just his luck. It would put a pause in his training too.

Hardly. Don’t be a baby about it. You’ve worked out with far worse. Oh yeah? Well this time it’s my dominant hand thank you very much. He shot back at Mavenath who merely chuckled in his mind. Such irritation my rider. Use this to your advantage by practicing with your other hand. There are bright points in even the darkest of nights after all. You just have to look harder for them. The bronzer brushed his dragon’s mind with the slightest feeling of appreciation. Pleased the bronze turned his head to regard the bird perched on one of his ridges with amusement. Such a silly creature to keep as a pet. At least in this instance it had proved mildly useful. Perhaps it wasn’t quite a frivolous as all that.

Cr’oph raised an eyebrow as K’sel’s voice brought him back to the here and now and he chuckled a little. “A Cr’ophwolf hmm? I doubt even my daughter would believe a story such as that.” Honestly transforming into some dog or whatever when the moons were full? Hogwash. With a smile directed at the dog he lifted his grey eyes back to K’sel. “Why is he convinced she is a magical being? Can she walk through walls or fly?” It was a light tease in truth. “I told my daughter she was a fairy princess once but she had just laughed at me and said ‘nuh uh daddy!’. Maybe she’s just not as hard to fool as your son is.” He didn’t mean it as an insult honestly but it probably came off as a dig to the brownrider. Like any bronzer Cr’oph had his moments of arrogance and was more than sure that his daughter was smarter than the majority of the children lurking about the place. She was something special that was for sure. Sort of like her mother.

Another smile was offered K’sel before he reached down with his uninjured hand to ruffle Etti’s fur. “Sorry sweetheart but I don’t have any more treats with me right now. But if you’re going to be awhile I bet I can fetch something from the dining hall for you before you leave.” With that a thoughtful expression crossed his face. “I don’t think I ever did ask. What business exactly does the hobo king have here today? Anything I can help you with?” Never hurt to be on top of the information in the weyr you lived in after all. If he was carrying a message between weyrs there was no harm in trying to figure out what it was.

[Lotty]

The canine took the pet from the bronze rider as a sign of forgiveness, but kept the baleful glances from her mismatched eyes up anyway, as well as a generous lick of the other rider's good hand. Better safe than sorry, and she would rather avoid some distasteful punishment for what really was an accident. After receiving her due attention, Etti backed but a few steps and leaned into K'sel's leg, her muzzle pressing into his lower thigh from her sitting position. In gentle circles the rider found himself rubbing around her ears and trying to coax that sorry look off of his usually exuberant companion, as he divided his attention between Cr'oph and some vaguely concerned glances at the dog.

Considering Cr'oph was venturing into unlikable bronzerider territory with his comments about the foolishness of his son, it was probably better for him to not be somewhat distracted. Even then there was something of a deadpan expression with his lips just barely pressing together into an unimpressed smirk and his eyes mired in a fog of wolfish thought. How can he make the guy feel like kind of an asshole for what he said while keeping in mind the fact that he still had a bleeding hand? Such delicate situations usually proved to be a challenge worth taking, and scratching at the side of his face the brownrider suddenly relaxed into an unconcerned bystander, humbly taking the criticisms to heart and not raising a single objection.

At first.

"Well, you know. It's probably my fault and all. I get the kid all worked up about ghost stories and the like," he sighed lightly and the corners of his lips pulled up, "so I am not surprised or bothered by Kephe running around and thinking his father fights monsters and this gal tags along. Actually, I think that it is good. They say that a healthy imagination is a sign of intelligence and if he gets fooled, he gets fooled every once in a while. It is all a part of being four turns old," the man trailed off with those words, mirthfully letting the sound resonate through crooked teeth. It was pretty silly wasn't it to criticize a youngin now wasn't it?

Now for the matter of his business here. That was actually a pretty easy answer, and he didn't even have to lie about it or sneak around the matters, "I'm actually here to visit with my brother. You may know him... T'ri, Archduke of the Contrarians, Prince of the Bohemians... whatever you want to call a master of irony such as himself," though his brother being as difficult as he was would probably object to any designation of royalty. Maybe he'd accept an elected position. Maybe, "Failing that I am sure that I would not leave the premises without my mother catching me, and of course I have various other associates scattered throughout the place to visit. So you see, my visit is purely recreational." If it was anything more intriguing than that he would most definitely not be authorized to tell the guy about it.

[Rei]

Cr’oph shrugged. “Gotta learn sometime I suppose. Four or not.” With that the red head continued. “I don’t think not believing in things that are not real harms my daughter in the least. Not all kids run around believing in monsters and goblins you know. Some of them live in horror stories. Thankfully I think both our kids are blessed in ways some of us were not when younger. A world at war is not a good one to grow up in no matter who you are. If you participate in it you become lost without it, and if your parents try and shelter you from it they do you a great injustice and put you in even greater danger. Being fooled every once in a while is much better than being a fool. I would agree with you there. Regardless of how our kids are raised I don’t see either of us being wrong? Simply a difference of opinion in the end.” He offered the brownrider as a sort of compromise with a small smile.

Leaning back against the stone wall the taller of the men chuckled. “ Well recreational visits are better than assigned ones I dare imagine.” Slightly rubbing his wrapped hand he shook his head in light amusement. “I’ve heard of your brother yes. Lazy and opinionated sort. I was more than happy not to be saddled with him on my wing. I might have had to wring his neck. Sad to say he’s not one of my favorite riders in the place. I've kept a careful eye on what’s going on about the place lately. Things worry me you see.” A small frown graced Cr’oph’s features. “I plan to do my damn hardest to make sure that my child, and everyone else’s, never has to live through the same amount of crap I did. Dragon riding is dangerous enough without having to worry about your neighbor also putting a knife in your back.”

The bronzer snorted softly then. “The complaining, bitching, and unrest from the more spoiled and blind of our lot lately bothers me. It’s like no one can see the big picture and all anyone cares about is what directly affects them. Dragonriders were developed to serve Pern, not lord over it. It seems like a lot of people forget that we are no more important than the common man. We do a great service but it doesn’t make our existence any more important than theirs. In fact if it wasn’t for their support, and tithes of the holders, a weyr could never support itself. I suppose not everyone can understand that though.” Cr’oph mused aloud before giving a sudden slightly bitter chuckle.

“My apologies K’sel. I suppose I’m in a venting mood and you’re right here. I forget my manners sometimes but I suppose I just want verification that I am not insane. I really don’t see why there is so much bitching over this ban on crafters? They should have never been searched in the first place. They do Pern a greater service in the holds and in the crafts they chose to pursue. I suppose people just want to have their cake and be able to eat it too.” The bronzer’s expression grew stoic. If he had any say over it things were not going to change much in the least.

Mavenath gave him as good a shot as any other man at winning the trials in the end and Cr’oph was bound and determined to give it his best try. Besides, Mavenath was born out of Salenth, arguably one of the most successful bronzes on Pern. And his mother wasn’t half bad either. Whether she birthed mutations and had a temper or not Millieth was one powerful gold. A bit of a bitch and a hot head yes, but when her weyr needed her she never failed to step up. No the bronzer knew he had the mindmate area covered, what he needed to work on was himself. He had been grooming himself for this for over six turns. It would soon be time to see if his efforts would bear fruit. K’sel was just something of a practice run currently. The brownrider was a hard one to read and the bronzer was subtlety testing how the Inverness rider reacted to him. So far it seemed so good. He was well aware that he might have slightly offended the man what with the comments on children but it didn’t seem like the offense had been that severe.

What Cr’oph needed was a few educated opinions and here was a bright brain ripe for the picking. Yes the brownrider could be of some use. However unintentional that actual help was. The bronzerider’s grey eyes came to rest on the other man again. “I’d like your opinion on the way things are if you’ll give it is what I am trying to say I guess.”

[Lotty]

K'sel didn't take the compromise. Internally at least. The bronzerider had rubbed him the wrong way and he had never been a person that was incredibly quick to forgive. He was even slower to forget, and the unfortunate turn their conversation took towards child rearing was not something that he would lose from his memory anytime soon. It was filed away as the brownrider nodded at his newest of acquaintances and bided his time with the usual graces of good manners. Cr'oph was just fortunate that the Inverness man wanted off the subject all together - even if it meant he had to grin and bear it right through a spiel about his brother purportedly failing at life.

Fuck man, he knew the guy could be a tool, but they shared blood... a childhood together. He reserved exclusive rights to rag on him.

He might have even twitched a little bit as the redhead said his piece about wringing T'ri's neck. To that the man jumped to his brother's defense, even if it was questionable as to whether the bluerider would ever do the same for him, "He is not so bad... he has his virtues and, well, a thousand Threadfalls with him in your wing will never equal the ten plus turns we were attached at the hip," even if they were yelling at each other or trying to pull some devious prank on one another, "and he turned my favorite shirt into a sash, so you'll just have to get in line behind me."

And then it happened. The bronzerider frowned and then unleashed on a helpless K'sel, who could only stand wide-eyed as the man went on. And on. And on some more. He couldn't help but feel like he was being subjected to a campaign speech... but for what? It wasn't like he had any agency in the place, and so really, all the talk of politics just boiled down to a long drawn out confession. K'sel apparently needed to take up bartending because he just had an ear that people wanted to spill their guts into.

He was just so dumbfounded by it all (not to mention feeling incredibly awkward, here he was with his pet, standing around talking world events with a relative stranger on the way to see his pariah of a brother) that he was at a loss for words when it was finally his time to talk. Shit. Where was he supposed to begin? The dark haired misanthrope didn't think he agreed with just about any of it past the equality bit, but in voicing this wouldn't he come off as both rude... and transparent? Tricky tricky. He had to stall for a moment, "Well, I must warn you that no good has ever come of asking my opinions on anything past the weather."

His hand withdrew from Etti's soft coat so that he may link his fingers behind his back, "Despite some deep-seated anarchic tendencies of my own, I also know that it is never good to have extreme views in either direction. I must ask you Cr'oph, why is it that you presume that the dissenters are 'bitching' any more than you are to I? It seems to me that you are discrediting their word too quickly, and I'm sure there are those in opposition to you who are more educated than the squabbling aunties that you paint them to be," K'sel was a dangerous test run. Not to mention silently bitter. He held no love for the Summit that removed him from his native home; a fact hidden by the tilt of his lips and a flash of his eyetooth peeking out cheekily, "I think I would be more careful with my word choices when you move to take the weyr by storm..."

"Kvetch. Kvetching would be slightly more.... politically correct?"

[Rei]

If the bronzer thought to say something else about T’ri not supposedly being ‘so bad’ he kept his mouth shut. Mainly because he really had nothing good to say about him. He would rather have a green weyrling on his team then the bluerider. Someone he could craft. T’ri was a problem he honestly almost prayed he’d never get saddled with. If he did he’d deal with it but he would rather not have to. He couldn’t trust the man and when your lives and the lives of the holders were to be trusted to your wing you wanted people on it worthy of that trust. In Cr’oph’s opinion T’ri was not worthy. If he proved himself otherwise? Great. But so far he had yet to see or hear anything that endeared him to the man in the slightest. People changed over turns though. So who knew? Maybe someday he’d be someone worthy of a shred of trust. It remained to be seen.

The bronzer was patient however as he waited for K’sel’s opinion his grey eyes flickering from the brownrider and to Raven who had begun to shift. However the predatory bird just settled again to preen so Cr’oph’s full attention went back to K’sel just in time for the man to make an admission. The bronzer chuckled lightly. “Consider me warned then.” He returned warmly his eyes not moving from K’sel’s face. After the brownrider had finished he smiled and though the expression lacked its previous warmth it was not mocking, simply a bit weary. “Because they don’t really honestly see the big picture. I ask you what is so bad about the way things are now. None of the changes are that horrible. They live in Holds yes. But this is a small minority and no more dragonriders will be shuttled off to those places with the new searching guidelines.” The bronzer shook his head. “They seem to forget that when the interval comes we will need the holds to survive and if we piss them off and distance ourselves from them now when the time comes that we need them they will turn their backs to us and we will suffer. The holders are notour enemies. We should be working to improve relations with them not distancing ourselves from them further. People also seem to forget that the riders were part of the Summit too. We agreed with the changes they weren’t completely forced down our throat. It was a compromise. But no one seems to want to remember that. I’m not saying everyone is that blind but a lot of people are just angry and want it all overturned. They don’t even want to give it a further chance.”

A soft snort was offered before be continued. “I know I’m up against some intelligent opposition. Not saying anything will be easy. But then what’s worth the prize is always worth the fight and I refuse to be intimidated.” A small grin was flashed to K’sel. “Yes Mavenath is always harping on me about public relations. He’s sadly much better at it than me. I’m a tad too blunt but that’s why I have him a guess. Even if it is annoying sometimes having him pick apart my words.” A glance was given the lounging bronze, who looked nothing but lazy flopped out over his ledge his head canted to the side as he spoke to his golden dam and current mate Millieth. The bronze was incredibly proud of his offspring, who were rapidly nearing graduation, and he never missed a chance to try and further endear himself to the Sr. Queen in the hopes that when she rose again she would choose him a second time. Even if it was unlikely. Millieth never seemed to pick the same mate twice in a row even if she had mated with them previously. Back to back flights seemed not to be her thing. She was far less predictable then Baith.

With a final shrug Cr’oph rubbed his temple with his uninjured hand. “Regardless I suppose we’ll see what happens when the trials roll around. Today is promised to no one after all. I could very well not make it through the next fall.” Pushing off the wall he prodded gingerly at the bloodstained handkerchief. “I don’t suppose you are going to want this back?” A smile was offered Etti. “I could always return it when I bring Etti the treat she lost out on. Sorry again about him girl. If he didn’t occasionally make himself useful I’d consider making him into a feather duster.” It was an idle jest really. Cr’oph loved the razorclaw even if he would rarely if ever admit it. But then it was his only company besides Mavenath lately, what with M’kai and the rest of his family at Inverness, so maybe that wasn’t so surprising. Tilting his head his attention returned to K’sel. “Have time for some klah before you head off to visit your family or not?”