Igen Gold (Tags: D'nier, Ambriel & Zorayda)

Karene was tired of looking over the reports from the team sent to Telgar Hold and Igen Weyr. She couldn't go to either place herself. Not at the moment, she was nine months along and ready to pop at any moment. The little leech wouldn't leave her! This had been the most irritating pregnancy ever.

So she had decided to call the two women who were going to be taking charge of Igen Weyr. Her good friend, from High Reaches, Zorayda and the Junior from Telgar Weyr, Ambriel. She had her personal drudge set up the meeting room, providing food and refreshment. The chairs were quite comfortable. Normally she would go outside and greet the women herself but that would be against Healer's orders.

Her own drudges were busy preparing her for the meeting so she asked D'nier if he would escort the women to the meeting. He would do the task wonderfully and he could then stay for the meeting if he wished. She had had to rely on him a bit more than she would have liked the past couple of months. Not that she didn't expect to know every little thing that went on in the weyr but she had a feeling she didn't. She also had a feeling that was because of the healers.

Her red hair was braided back in a french style braid. Her dress was fitted above her protruding belly where it flowed out from her. She felt so big. She knew she looked awful but she would have to make the most of it. In a day or two hopefully, she would have only to worry about finding a milk mother. Getting back into shape would be easy enough. She had done it before, she would do it again.

Waiting, none too patiently in the meeting room, she waited for the women to arrive.

Zorayda knew her way around Fort Weyr better than High Reaches, and that wasn't an exaggeration.
Okay, it was a mild exaggeration.

So when Zorayda arrived to meet with Karene and Ambriel, she didn't bother to wait for an escort, she simply headed off toward the Weyrwoman's office.

It had been a while since Zorayda had managed to find time to see Karene (which, despite what Opsimath had to say, was not because Zorayda found Karene's pregnant body and enforced bed-rest uncomfortable), but Zorayda was looking forward to spending some time with the Weyrwoman even after the meeting was over.

Perhaps Ambriel would join them. Zorayda hoped that she and her Junior would get along well. Karene being there would allow for a good testing ground, but even if Ambriel had to rush back to  Telgar, Zorayda was spending the rest of the day at Fort.

There had been another cold snap at High Reaches (as though it ever ended), and Zorayda was completely covered up. Fort was warmer (much warmer) but Zorayda planned on getting into Karene's office before taking off a single scarf, though the red one at her neck had been loosened, and the purple one that had been tied over her knit hat had been removed and wrapped around her hands instead.

Her gloves were not as warm as her mittens, but mittens weren't effective for Dragonriding.

Zorayda was already in the hallway on her way to Karene's office when she was finally stopped.

The Junior Weyrwoman Zorayda and Opsimath have arrived. I told Opsimath that  you'd like to escort her rider to the meeting...

The way that Taroth left his words unfinished at the end left D'nier wondering if there was some problem. Fort's Weyrleader was already getting up from where he'd been sitting over a cup of fresh fruit cider -and of course a touch of liquor to spike it. Well, just barely. Just enough to make it all the more warming on a brisk day, but not enough to smell on his breath.

Carrying his cup with him, D'nier strolled into the hallway, taking another sip as he went. You're leaving something out, I think.

It was ever so smugly that the bronze replied to him; D'nier could just see that toothy 'grin' of his cropping up.

Opsimath said that Junior Weyrwoman Zorayda was too excited to meet with our own Weyrlady, so she did not feel inclined to wait.

So that was it. Zorayda was already making her way to the meeting room. Well, shard it. What happened to the days when women appreciated a little cordiality?

Well, it couldn't be helped at the moment, D'nier hurried his pace to catch up to her so at least he wouldn't be late to arrive. The Bronzerider cut through a couple of short cuts to get there, nearly skidding to a stop as he reached the next corridor leading there. Not in so much of a rush that he couldn't enjoy his drink however, D'nier drank from his steaming cup while looking from one end of the hall to the next, wondering if he'd find the newly arrived Weyrwoman close by. It hadn't been that long since she'd arrived; she coulnd't have gotten too far.

As good fortune would have it though, the woman appeared just then. A perfectly rogueish smile twisted upward at the corner of his lips, just between a short, well-groomed goatee and the shadow of a moustache; rogueish and typical. Of course, D'nier pulled off the 'rogue' personification well, considering the large black leather eye patch he wore, the straps that wrapped around his head, disappearing within the swept-back lengths of black (periodically grey streaked) hair upon his head.

At first, he bowed graciously, not in any too-formal sense, rather, the sweeping gesture was in some good humour, as well as welcome. "Junior Weyrwoman Zorayda, I presume?" The man's voice was husky and resonating, certainly unique in its almost raspy tone.


[mmm considersing we're trying to make shorter posties /less to reply to at once for a while /trial period, i'll stop it there.]

(many short posts? EXCELLENT. That is absolutely my writing style)

Zorayda did not freeze when a husky voice called her name. Instead, she slowed, taking a moment to check her posture (tall, straight-backed, with a touch of imperiousness- perfect for intimidating anyone who needed intimidating, and generally an excellent choice for first impressions should Zorayda do anything that might be even slightly unacceptable), and looked over the bowing man.

As he straightened, Zorayda took a look at his face, recognizing the features as belonging to D'nier, Weyrleader of Fort.

She did not know the Bronzerider well (of course, he'd been Fort's Weyrleader for a year, so she recognize him- she spent a lot of time at Fort, after all), but few Dragonriders would fail to recognize someone who was both the child of Weyrleaders ,and a Weyrleader in his own right.

"Weyrleader D'nier."

Physically, Zorayda did not respond to D'nier's bow. Zorayda was wearing riding leaders, so a curtsying would look ridiculous, and Zorayda abhorred the High Reaches Greenrider's solution- to bow back.

But mentally, Zorayda took it for a compliment.

"I'm surprised you recognized me all bundled up like this." Zorayda commented, reaching up to loosen her headscarf.

"Shall we continue on? I thought you'd be escorting weyrwoman Ambriel?"

Another smirk was rising with the steam over his mug, thinking he should offer her something to drink, too. But he was more than certain she wasn't about to stop in the middle of the hall for tea-time, and it would be better to wait on full formalities anyway. It just wasn't completely his style to be the stuffy, overly formal sort. It tended to put people more at ease anyway, not to have to be so staunch.

But D'nier did not anticipate that Zorayda would have any difficulty making herself right at home without any of his help. And that suited him just fine.

His mouth had perked up into a grin again when she mentioned him by name. "Is the eye patch is that much of a dead give away?" He was teasing her in a friendly manner now, as they walked side by side.

"You're right. I hardly recognized you, bundled up like a bambiiina; it's the beauty of your height and regal poise that give you away. No Greenrider's going to pull that off." He was winking then, having already started continuing on their way to the location of the Goldrider's meeting.

"I assumed as much, myself, but she has yet to arrive, so my time is all yours. At least until you abandon me for Karene." He could only act mildly hurt by it, because he fully anticipated that's exactly what would happen as soon as the two Weyrwomen were together again. He'd known then to be friends, and Karene had been miserable on bed rest for long enough that the appearance of Zorayda would be much welcomed, and the two would likely be inseparable all day. But Karene needed someone like Zorayda here with her, to lift her spirits and bring a smile back to her face.

D'nier couldn't help but continue smiling at that thought. It made him glad that Karene had called this meeting, and that Zorayda had been the first to arrive.


[errrr.... i think that's all for now! ^.^]

"The eyepatch? No, it was the bow that gave you away." Zorayda's blue eyes flashed slightly with her reply. She wasn't completely kidding- D'nier's face and his eye patch were striking, but she didn't need the extra hints.

"Is it really abandonment if we both choose to part paths for Goldriders?" Zorayda didn't want to agree with D'nier's assessment, but really, she couldn't argue that she was looking forward to seeing Karene, no matter how diverting the conversation with D'nier was.

Having continued down the hall, they reached the door to Karene's office, and Zorayda held back, fully expecting D'nier to open the door after his courtly treatment of her.

"Perhaps we could both bask in the presence of Karene before you have to leave the both of us to collect Ambriel."

Also, having a second person in the room would give Zorayda a second to figure out how she was suppose to act around Karene when the Weyrwoman was trapped on bedrest.

Zorayda wasn't the best with invalids, and the idea of Karene being anything less than physically capable was odd, to say the least.

Chuckling, the coy smile he wore did not cease with her words, nor his thoughts, though the Weyrleader couldn't help but wonder if Zorayda always took herself too seriously to laugh a little. Of course, he didn't know her as well as Karene did, aaand then again, most of the Goldriders he'd known did have the tendency to take themselves rather seriously.

Ah, the critical flaws of dragontyping. [A play on words for dragon colour personality stereotyping. ] Or maybe it'd just been something he said?

Or perhaps the Junior Goldrider just wasn't as comfortable here as he'd assumed she would be, with Karene around. He supposed that could be the case also. The whole circumstance of Karene being out of her norm and calling a meeting here to her office might have caused a lot of upset in a Queen's busy day to day schedule. Well, whatever the case, D'nier went along with it. He was just here to sit and listen for a bit and then he'd be able to leave them to their own fun the rest of the day and return to his own daily routine. Which of course, would involve another of these spiked ciders.


As they arrived at the door, D'nier had half expected for Zorayda to reach for the door, but made a smooth move when it was apparent that she wasn't going to, to reach for the door in her stead. It was amazing how doors just opened themselves around here. Even the ancients couldn't have thought that one up! Automatically opening doors? That was a leap of the imagination. [ ]

"After you." The Weyrleader gestured her to be the first through, following directly after her.



[sorry my muse now fails me. all for now!]

Karene watched both her Weyrleader and Weyrwoman Zorayda as they entered. "FINALLY!" She said, with perhaps the smallest hint of irritation. Although whether she was irritated that she had to wait or that she was simply irritated about her condition was debatable.

"Good to see you Zora." She smiled warmly, standing up so that she could give her friend a hug in greeting. She didn't think her pregnancy was anything to be strange about. The only problem with it was her work ethic. And perhaps for once in her life, Karene did not look tired. Her light blue eyes were bright and alert, her cheeks had the slightest hint of color in them. She was healthier than ever. Even her hair was shiny. Apparently age was going easy on her at the moment.

"I thought maybe you'd be along sooner but I see that D'nier has found you and no doubt distracted you for a moment or two." She was amiable and kind enough to send D'nier a wink. After all, she had sent him to greet the women. Since normally she would be the one to greet people for meetings involving Queenriders.

"It seems there is some incident at Telgar Weyr involving a Weyrling, so Ambriel will either be later or unable to attend today. Galadrieth just received word from Eefriath. So we're going to start this discussion without her. If I need to fill her in again later I will."

Really, Telgar Weyr was getting on her last nerve as it was. If they tried to negotiate one more thing that would only benefit them in order to get the support staff needed to run Igen she was going to go over there and set fire to their food stores. Give them something else to think about for once!

At least High Reaches was only offering Zorayda by her own request and had allowed them to Search for Candidates for the new Weyr without any complaining. Honestly, they were more likely to leave High Reaches alone because they were being helpful. Although that had been a surprise knowing how much the High Reaches leadership hated Karene's bond with Zorayda. Perhaps it had been a way to keep her out of their hair as much as possible.

"D'nier you are welcome to stay. This will concern some of our riders as well. I may welcome your advice on which riders would be best to send for a particular mission or two..."

"Kara!" Zorayda beamed as she moved swiftly into the room, wrapping Karene up in a warm hug. Zorayda was a little taller than the other Weyrwoman, but not enough to make the hug awkward. Even after releasing Karene, Zorayda stood close, far more relaxed then she'd been in weeks. Zorayda had forgotten how nice it felt when someone was excited to see you.

"Shells," Zorayda continued, and then shut her mouth (not quite audibly). Karene was very pregnant, close to birth, obviously, but Zorayda did not need to point that out. Karene was probably sick to death about comments about her pregnancy, and Zorayda wasn't going to add another comment. Without much of a pause, Zorayda shifted conversations, still standing close to Karene.

"Do you think that Telgar is going to cry foul on every plan we make without Ambriel?" Zorayda was half sick of Telgar at this point (though, of course, she still loved it far more than High Reaches), and she hoped that there was actually a Weyrling emergency, not that Telgar was delaying this meeting for it's own personal reasons.

It wouldn't be the first time the leadership at Telgar attempted to delay or prevent Igen Weyr's reopening. And Ambriel's addition to Igen hadn't completely washed Telgar's opposition away.

"And D'nier, please stay. I need an overview of what Rider's to expect."

D'nier was nodding in acquiescence, though in the middle of another drink from his mug. So, the Weyrleader took a seat in one of the desk chairs situated nearby after making sure there was one handy for Zorayda's use as well.

Crossing one leg over the other, with one ankle resting atop the opposite knee, he started, "I would love to update you on the roster planned for transfer to Igen." Enjoying the drink from his still-steaming cup, he gave pause but for a moment, only to add, "I'm glad to know that you take such an interest in Igen's reopening. It will be to everyone's benefit to have a competent Weyrwoman overseeing things there."

Which somehow reminded him, "Oh, would you like a drink, Zorayda? Cider's hot; so's the Klah, if you're still chilled from Between?"

Pretending that she hadn't heard the tone of Zora's voice, she smiled, "If its another boy, I'll be waiting forever!" The boys were always late. "Of course its more of an inconvenience than anything." She sighed, being cooped up was almost detrimental to her well being in ways the healers didn't seem to care about. People needed to see their leaders. Right now, D'nier was the only one visible on a daily basis and it made her uncomfortable. Not that she didn't think D'nier did his job well. He did. But he wasn't her. No one else would ever be her and therefore she could never be certain things were done to her exact specifications.

"I think Telgar is trying to brainwash her as much as possible before she ever speaks to me. Or you, I'd gather. I think they are forgetting that once Thread falls, and it will fall, I will be in command of the Queen's Wings and they will all be answering to me." Karene's light eyes grew very cold, very much like her father's for a brief moment. She didn't care to be insulted, not in this way. Certainly not by a Weyr who would be benefiting in the long run from the added support of another Weyr nearby. Sure they didn't see it that way now, but when they didn't have enough dragons to cover the ground needed during a Fall, they would see.

"Lets not worry about it now though. I'll deal with Telgar later." The way she said it, sounded like she had more than just Ambriel's absence to discuss with the leaders of Telgar Weyr.

Hearing D'nier offer the other woman a drink and compliment her on her competency, made Karene feel a bit more irritated. If he was going to flirt with her best friend he could at least do it when they were not in a meeting with her.

"Actually I did want to discuss something about the leadership over at Igen. We need a Headwoman. Someone who we can trust explicitly. Zora, if you think you can spare time later in the week, I was thinking of conducting some interviews of some of the women who are assisting the headwoman here, if you have any other candidates for the position at High Reaches, feel free to bring them with you as well."

Zorayda honestly didn't know how Kara did it. Zorayda was hopeful that she'd never get pregnant again, because children really didn't seem worth all of the effort or aggravation.

Zorayda waved D'nier's offer of a drink off, preferring to keep herself focused on the task at hand, though she did take a seat, reaching into her pocket to pull out her notepad (which was sharding expensive, but far more portable than a skin).

"I'm not the Weyrwoman yet. And if Telgar delays the opening of Igen too much, I might not even be in play for the senior position." Zorayda doubted that was Telgar's intent, but it could be an inadvertent side effect of their effects to end any talks of reopening Igen Weyr ever. And it was not a risk Zorayda wanted to take. The Senior position would be hers, by hook or by crook.

"There isn't anyone I would recommend at High Reaches, but there might be someone at Ista Weyr. I'll make a point of stopping by to see her."

R'sel's sister was an assistant to the Headwoman at Ista, and they had been very close when Zorayda and R'sel had been together. When they'd parted, Zorayda had made a point of still going to see his sister every once in a while, and it would be good to have a Headwoman who was used to heat (even if Ista was much more humid).

"I'm not the Weyrwoman yet. And if Telgar delays the opening of Igen too much, I might not even be in play for the senior position." Zorayda doubted that was Telgar's intent, but it could be an inadvertent side effect of their effects to end any talks of reopening Igen Weyr ever. And it was not a risk Zorayda wanted to take.

Zorayda had a point. It would be best to keep plans forward moving, not allowing anything to bring them to a halt. If they did lose their momentum, it was likely that other political agendas could hack their way into the scheme, making the whole ordeal far less pleasant. At the least, things would not be moving as smoothly as they were now. And it would be nice to see someone who seemed as dedicated and alert as Zorayda in the position of Senior Weyrwoman. Someone like her would do well to secure that position for herself.

To be honest, it was quite the rare, Golden opportunity so to speak, for a new Weyr to be available for grabs. He was a little surprised we haven't seen more Weyrs jumping at the opportunity to throw their junior Golds at Igen for a chance to claim Senior position. Whether they were capable or not.

The Weyrleader's almost raspy baritone chimed in at that, "I've confidence in the juniors from Benden, but it's probably better that we focus on securing that spot for Zorayda. Since those preparations are already underway. We'll just have to make sure there are no unnecessary delays."


"Actually I did want to discuss something about the leadership over at Igen. We need a Headwoman. Someone who we can trust explicitly. Zora, if you think you can spare time later in the week, I was thinking of conducting some interviews of some of the women who are assisting the headwoman here, if you have any other candidates for the position at High Reaches, feel free to bring them with you as well."

Well, D'nier had no real say there; he had his oppinions on headwomen and their assistants here at Fort or at Benden, but again, if Karene preferred trying to glean some capable personnel from the staff at High Reaches, he wasn't against it. D'nier had no overreaching political agendas. He'd much rather see the two Weyrwomen work things out amoungst themeselves. If Karene was unable to find a suitable candidate for Headwoman for Igen Weyr, then she knew all she had to do was consult with him about possibilities from Benden. Which she hadn't done yet.

But finding a Headwoman wasn't his responsibility. He had enough on his plate where it came to ensuring that the Wings were fleshed out well enough before transfer. But that task that he and Karene had been working on with more interviews and the like, seemed nearly complete. And since Karene was reaching out to her friends in High Reaches to fill some of the gaps, D'nier also, had reached out to Benden for a handful of riders.


[that work better Kate? sorry bout that! hope the edit's sufficient ^.^]

To the Headwoman suggestion, "Of course, bring your candidate for the position we'll see how she interviews. I would like to have a couple assistant headwomen to help her too, so it wouldn't be a bad idea for Ambriel to be present for those interviews."

Not everything happened the way Karene willed it to. Quite a devastating blow for her when she realized that little fact of life. She didn't like where this conversation was heading but she addressed a couple of the real issues on the table which mattered a great deal more to her than she would likely be willing to admit.

"Unfortunately there are a few necessary delays. Not the least of which being the unrest in Telgar Hold and more specifically the southern end of Telgar Hold. Under the old Thread coverage plans, this territory would be protected by Igen Weyr." Karene wanted the transition to opening Igen to be a smooth one but it seemed the residents of Telgar Hold were less than cooperative.

"And then there is the matter of the spy." She sighed, "Apparently one of the Lower Cavern staff has been falsifying data in the records. If my suspicions are correct then we need a Headwoman and some people of our own to infiltrate the Weyr and rat out the spy. We cannot afford to lose tithes when we are rebuilding a Weyr."

Karene was't planning on delaying anything long enough to prevent her friend from taking control of Igen Weyr. She had plans, big plans, revolving around the idea one of her only friends being the head of another weyr. It could change the world drastically and more in her favor than it was at present. The other Weyrs had had to be convinced over Turns and Turns of her arguing the need for Igen. Now it was within her grasp and by Faranth's Golden Egg she would have someone she trusted in a position of power over there.

"D'nier I was hoping to set up some regular visits and patrols of the area with our riders..." Now was his chance to butt in witch some information or ideas of his own.

Zorayda nodded, making a quick note about the interview date, and a reminder. The entry was vague (in fact, much of her notebook was vague- nothing coded, of course, but Zorayda wasn't foolish enough to leave detailed notes about much of anything, especially not something as easy to misplace as a notebook), but it would be enough to jog her memory,

"Can we get involved in the Telgar unrest without overstepping our bounds?" Zorayda had been Holderborn, it was true, but Karene's childhood made her a much better source on what Holders would consider a violation of a Hold's autonomy. And Zorayda wasn't actually sure what the Weyrs could do about unrest in a Hold, but Zorayda had a feeling that Karene would know.

It wasn't always a Goldrider's job to know everything- just to know the best person for every job.

"Was the spy stealing to line his pocket, or because of his principles?" Zorayda was aware of the anti-Weyr sentiments expressed in certain Holds. She hadn't been particularly aware until her interest in reopening Igen had been engaged, but these days she was reasonably well educated.

"And it would be good to get some patrol units together. It'll make it easier to put together the Wings. Any frictions that might arise can be spotted before they cause problems." Not that Zorayda had any personal experience putting a Wing together. But there wouldn't be a proper Weyrleader until the her Flight, so who else could put Wings together but her?

"Unfortunately there are a few necessary delays. Not the least of which being the unrest in Telgar Hold and more specifically the southern end of Telgar Hold. Under the old Thread coverage plans, this territory would be protected by Igen Weyr."


"I'm sure Lord Matoi would agree to some regular patrols over the area, near Igen Weyr, where the latest problems have cropped up, just to make sure we've scared off any remaining pockets of thieves. It's probably better to leave that to Igen Weyr, though. From recent updates, there are enough private weyrs ready for occupation to house almost two full wings. Do you think if we went ahead and transferred a wing of riders -comprised of some from Telgar Weyr as well- along with a new Headwoman and assistants, that it would help speed up the process?  The Dragonriders would be extra hands for the continued refurbishing, and it would be a good chance for Igen to start building a relationship with the Hold on its own."

Nodding in aggreeance with the Junior Weyrwoman's sentiments on having an early-active wing sent to Igen, even before they were fully ready to reopen, he went one, "Good idea. A chance to work some kinks out; like a dry run on a new Drill. And since many of them will be our riders, and not yet officially established as independent from Fort or Telgar, we'll still be formally overseeing them, allowing us to keep close tabs on everything more closely than when Igen cuts loose on its own.

"I think that having a consistent, empathetic dragon presence there might also discourage further thieving from our tithes. Or any other subterfuge that might be going on. Right now, there is simply no deterrence within the Igen Weyr itself. Even if things were completely under control on the Hold side, there's no presence for regulation on Igen Weyr side so, as it stands, there will only be continued issues until we establish more personnel there of our own. Preferrably someone who runs a tight ship. The sooner, the better, I'm sure.

"If either of you ladies feel there's a need for additional candidates to play Headwoman Assistant, or even to provide a few additional Riders -maybe a couple of older Bronzes capable of acting Weyr Lead - I'd be glad to make a list of names I'm familiar with and start communications with Benden Weyr about it."


Returning to Zorayda's question regarding the purpose and origin of the thieves, D'nier figured it'd be best for her to be fully informed before moving there. It'd be her problem, too, in the future. More hers and less of his.

"It seems as though Telgar had quite the uprising of a rebellion a few turns back. I hadn't realized just how desperate Telgar's situation had been at that time," The Weyrleader took a deep breath, after which he went on, "but apparently it all began with a minor holder in the south hoarding goods that were supposed to be tithed to the Weyr. So, when Telgar Weyr began making inquiries about their tithes, it was made to seem as though the tithes had been made and the Weyr had just grown greedy. By the time the depth of and whole truth of the matter was discovered however, it had escalated into violence and very heated political stances on the Weyrs. We can only assume that some of those extreme stances still exist today,... though its been several turns...

"Lord Matoi is quite positive that our spy is involved with that same faction, and that they're trying to gain a foothold at the new Weyr, to their greater advantage, for whatever purpose they now have -which Matoi has informed us, is probably, on the Weyr side, to stop us from ever reopening Igen. And indeed, without ever receiving Tithes and other supplies we need, that will be hard to do. Though we are still receiving goods from the Igen Hold side."

Lifting a brow, one of his usual, coy smiles danced there, "If we we were to move things ahead, go ahead and transfer a partial wing, we might also have the effect of setting the rebels back on their own plans; or at least interfering with, just by being there.

"So, to answer your question, Junior Weyrlady, it doesn't seem as though there is personal motive involved. At least not on the part of our spies." After he seemed to have voiced the last of his thoughts on the matter for now, and had given the brief overview of where their spies were coming from, D'nier went back to drinking the now not-so-steamy cup of spiked cider in his hand.

"Igen Weyr is not yet ready to support dragons, even a limited number of them. From the reports we have recieved from Wingsecond S'dric and Wingrider Sh'nar, the weyrs are not livable. I'd like that to become a priority as soon as we have someone there who can make sure it is done properly. We could still send dragonriders there by day and have them help with the progress." Karene said, still none to happy things hadn't progressed as far as she would have liked.

With a mischievous grin on her face, "There are a couple riders whom it might do some good to have scrubbing some weyrs and looking for hazards..." Karene was not known for the mischief her children seemed to spread but when one considered the common denominator between them, Karene did come to mind. She wasn't openly a trouble maker as a child but she knew how to work the system from a young age. "Would you be opposed to sending those who intend to transfer there eventually?" Karene asked D'nier, her light blue gaze serious.

Looking to her best friend for a moment, her eyes followed, "Now, along the lines of setting up more support staff, I was hoping we might appeal to Keroon about some more beasts and a couple, higher ranked beast crafters. They seemed willing only to send us Journeymen. The Weyr needs at least one Master. Especially when trying to keep animals alive in such a harsh environment. They'll be used to grazing on grass..."

"But dragons need food. While it would be perfectly fine for Igen's dragons to feed here in the meantime, it is imperative that they have their own feed supply before any eggs are hatched there. This is why it should be a top priority."

At the suggestion of a temporary Weyr lead, "If you have Candidates for Weyr Lead, I think it best if Zorayda approves of them more than I. She'll have to work with them in closer proximity." She didn't want anyone at Igen that Zorayda did not want there. Even though it was Karene's pet project as much as it was Zora's she knew better than to pee in someone else's sandbox. Especially that one.

"Igen Hold's tithes have been generous." For reasons which Karene would not say out loud. She did after all, more than help Igen Hold set up a very good alliance with Telgar Hold. There would be some support from them because of that. "I would also say we should send more searches through Igen Hold, we could certainly use more staff and Candidates that are used to the heat and able to work in the evenings more. I've heard that the lower caverns are ready for more staff to move in, now that they have some food stored. Though the Head Cook, is a bit... well... bossy. He has demanded more help and asks that we do something about the lack of supply of Benden wines... I don't know if you can do anything about that D'nier, maybe ask a favor?" She figured if it made the cook happy, then everyone would be fed better.

Zora took careful notes about all of the topics Kara and D'nier brought up, taking a few seconds to gather her thoughts before responding. Zora felt like she was basking the glow of competence this meeting was filling her with. It was so nice to not have all of her suggestions shot down. Although, it was sheer force of will that kept her from shooting down any suggestion about getting the cook Benden wines- they weren't any better than a quality Tillek wine, any any cook who thought differently was getting a little too big for his britches.

"I don't have any contacts in Beastcrafting." Zora informed them, keeping her comments useful. "But I think my son's current weyrmate has a connection. I'll ask him about it." She put a note in her journal, happy to realize that she'd be busy enough over the next few days to avoid High Reaches from Sunup to Sundown.

"Maybe we can schedule Bronzer interviews at the same time as the Headwoman interviews." Zora offered, not caring either way, so long as it wasn't advertised to High Reaches Bronzeriders.

"Let's just set up Watchdragon's then. If we increase Sweeprides alongside Kara getting the Lord to increase his own sweeps, and we spread a little gossip about 'secret' patrols, we might be able to fool people into thinking that everything's patrolled. And then we'll also have a chance to have dry runs, and give Riders a taste of the heat they'll be experiencing."

Now that those comments were voiced, Zora turned back to the spy business.

"Can we be sure that this isn't too dangerous? It's easy enough to poison a well in the dark of night, and if tensions are still running high all this time later- I don't want to endanger me or my dragon, or anyone else's for that matter.  And just because they've stuck to tithe stealing before, doesn't mean they won't escalate. Bullies always do."

Zora hadn't realized that the stress between Telgar Hold and Telgar Weyr had been that bad- she'd heard rumors, of course, but she'd dismissed them.

(sorry, it's very short. Tell me if I missed anything!)

"Would you be opposed to sending those who intend to transfer there eventually?" Karene asked D'nier, her light blue gaze serious.

"That sounds like a fine idea." The Weyrleader mulled over his Weyr Lady's words as she added to them, able to finish his cup of cider in that time.

"I'm sure arrangements could be made with Keroon's Holder to contribute a few more beasts; perhaps even beastcrafters. Should we ask Lord Matoi if he would be willing to dedicate some un-farmed land nearby, for the herdbeasts to graze until we are able to figure out what to do about feed for them in the mean time?" It would be much more expensive for the Weyrs and Holds both, to have to rely on purely Feed-fed animals, if there was nowhere to graze them. Likely, they would have to find somewhere permanent to graze them, even if it wasn't right on site, at Igen Weyr.

"Karene, do you remember reading anything on where Igen Weyr used to graze their herdbeasts? I wonder if we could manage to irrigate a location or..." Well, the Weyrleader wasn't a beastcrafter, nor was he a farmer. Most of the details he'd read up on the old Igen Weyr that had been handy, had concerned other aspects of Weyr life. He'd been relying on Karene for those types of things.

"As for additional Bronze candidates, I will write to petition Benden for Bronzes and Wine as soon as we're done here."


To Zorayda's comments, he seemed agreeable as well. He was glad that their ideas all seemed to follow the same thought process and that they wouldn't be conflicting. Each of them seemed to be able to complementing eachother's thoughts with the addition of their own.

"We have some riders left at Telgar Weyr who have not finished the interview process, either. It would be good to have them visit us at the same time. Setting some watch dragons will be a good idea, too.

"While you're making contacts for other positions as you're able, Karene and I will put together the patrol wing and find the best candidates for watches."


After setting his cup down on a table surface nearby, he could hold his hands out to suggest some 'unknowing', or perhaps that the matter of the spies couldn't be helped. "This is something that Fort Weyr is already involved in, simply because Karene has spearheaded the efforts to reopen Igen Weyr and dedicate many of Fort's own resources and Riders to it. Whether it is dangerous or not cannot be helped. We will still be called upon to do our part. It is, after all, Igen's tithes they've been threatening

With any luck, we'll be able to know better what to expect after visiting more with Lord Matoi or the Telgar Weyrleadership over the details of what exactly happened with the Weyr during the previous uprising. If it is the same group, they may be using the same tactics, so we may be able to anticipate what is yet to come on that front, and make our plans accordingly. But... that said, as of right now, I'm not sure I can guarantee the absolute safety of those involved. It seems to have been a very difficult struggle in the past, and may become so, again.

"Being a dragonrider though, has never been a 'safe' occupation, especially considering the eventuality of Threadfall. All we can do is minimize our risks. I, like Karene, would not have any Rider nor Dragon put in danger if it could be helped. Lord Matoi has shared with us his own similar sentiments. If you find yourself afraid for your safety at any time, however, please let me know, and I will arrange for additional Watches and Patrols. Unless, of course, you're unwilling to take that risk at all, and would rather hand the opportunity over to another Gold, to go to Igen in your stead?" The Weyrleader winked, grinning. He was teasing Zorayda, with no such expectation that the woman would shy from the challenge, nor the promise of taking Igen's Senior Queen position. Zorayda was from stout, hardy stock, so he could imagine it uncharacteristic of her to back out of the arrangements already made for her.

“Good idea. Have your suggestions submitted to me before then so we can rule out anyone Zora might object to before the Interview process begins.” She said acknowledging both Zorayda and D’nier. She wanted both interviews done and finished sooner rather than later, combining them would speed things up well.

“I’ll speak with Lord Holder Matoi. You contact the Beastcraft Master and see if we cannot persuade him to send more beasts for Igen Weyr.” The Weyrleader did seem quite capable of persuasion, among other qualities, which would please the beastcrafter. As for herself, she preferred to see the master as little as possible. He was almost as bad a flirt as D’nier could be.

With a slight frown, “Unfortunately I’ve yet to figure out where they grazed their beasts. So far nothing has been written or made note of in any of the records I’ve been able to read.” Although she half wondered if the records that would be more pertinent to this subject were kept from her on purpose. The thought, gave her an icy expression, not really that uncommon on her when she thought of someone doing her a wrong of some kind or other. Karene was not a forgiving woman, by any interpretation of the word. She didn’t like the thought that someone would betray her. Just the thought that someone might. The actual action would be much worse.

After a moment of thought, “Even if they had to graze them at some distance, they would need to keep some at the Weyr for the Weyrling dragons who cannot fly and hunt as their mature counterparts can.”


When it came to her Weyr and her riders, Karene could be a little proud, perhaps a bit more reckless perhaps than Zorayda might be. But she would never suffer anyone to control her, in any way. Even if by as Zora called it “bullying” them into submission, seemed to be the goal, she wouldn’t allow her riders to be seen as weak. What would happen if they poisoned dragons? Would it not rally more to the cause of dragonriders? She had a feeling dragons would make some very influential martyrs. No rebel in his right mind would do something to incite the entire Pernese population against him.

Karene, typical in her response said, “Dragonmen know it is their duty to protect Pern, from every evil she may face. We will not have done our duty if we allow ourselves to be bullied by anyone. And I will not have my riders afraid of what might happen because of this spy.” She also wouldn’t send her riders to a place she would not go herself. Only she was not allowed to go anywhere. At all. Sometimes she really hated Healers.

“We will be assisting Lord Matoi in whatever capacity he needs. I suspect Telgar Weyr is also offering aid. However as long as the violence is limited to the Hold itself, we cannot truly involve ourselves. We would severely endanger Igen Weyr if we did. For now, we should take this as it is. There is a spy at Igen Weyr and there are tithes being stolen. What is the connection between the two? Why do the people not want Igen Weyr to open? Is there something we can do to keep things from escalating? What do they really want?"

Karene figured they had goals. Any organized group would have goals and a mission and that mission would be perhaps difficult to realize right away. Maybe they didn't want Igen to open because of the tithing. Or maybe it was a way of keeping Telgar Hold's goods from leaving Telgar Hold because there were people in the hold who deserved food and never got any? It was really a Hold affair though and the last thing they needed to do was step on Hold business while asking for support.

After giving herself a moment to think, "Whoever this group is, or what their goal is, their mission is not to kill dragons. Dragons and their riders would be the ultimate martyrs. If they were poisoned, the people responsible would be found and it would not go well for them because the whole of Pern would be against them, not just one Hold and heir guardsmen.”

Zorayda tapped her fingers lightly on her thigh, for just a few seconds. While she didn't necessarily disagree with Karene's assessment about why they wouldn't want to kill Dragonriders, Zorayda felt a good deal of responsibility for any Riders who were willing to uproot their lives for her, and was willing to take fewer risks than Kara might be comfortable with.

"We need to endear ourselves to the local holds." Zora offered. "When we Sweep, we should have our best looking, and most personable Riders stop at each of the holds- minor and cot, and introduce themselves. If we can make them think that having a Weyr will be better for them, they'll keep an eye out for us."

Zorayda's cothold had done the same sort of thing. Smugglers only operated in their waters with tacit approval, and while Zora didn't claim to completely understand the way Major Holds played politics, she knew Cotholds. And if Igen was claimed as their Weyr, and as a source of pride, it would be a lot harder for anyone to move against them, or to short their Tithe.

"And maybe the cotholds can give us tips about where they used to graze herds. If it was prime ground, it's probably still being used." Perhaps some of the semi-nomadic groups could be hired to graze the herd close to the Weyr. That might be difficult, however, and so Zora didn't suggest it. She didn't have enough background information.

Well, D'nier thought, they still had a little time to figure out the grazing situation. It would be a little while yet before they had to worry about a Flight and new clutch on Igen sands.


“I’ll speak with Lord Holder Matoi. You contact the Beastcraft Master and see if we cannot persuade him to send more beasts for Igen Weyr..."

"Mmm. Will do. Let me go ahead and ask the Keroon Holder if there is a beastmaster he could spare us. If we're taking beasts from keroon, a keroon beastcrafter would be most familiar with those breeds, and probably serve us better given the situation." Or, ...should they be asking for a breed more suited for the climates of Igen? Either way, if anyone would know, it would probably be a Keroon Master Beastcrafter. He would start asking questions when he got there, and find out for sure.

Thinking that he should probably start taking his own notes at meetings like these, it was always the little meetings where they seemed to get more accomplished, thus he would have more to remember. After a moment, D'nier was grinning in his usual coy way, speaking with a bit of a demure droll as he teased the Fort Weyrwoman a bit, "I'm working up quite a list of honey-do's."


Anyway, D'nier was certain that the Holds would possibly have some record of where the Weyr used to allow its herdbeasts to graze, if it was not on land under the jurisdiction of the Weyrs already. "Perhaps you should ask Lord Matoi, when you visit with him again, about the previous grazing lands. If the Weyr ever utilized such land under Telgar's jurisdiction, he would be able to find out." And the Weyrleader was certain that Matoi was not the sort to hold the information back from them, or lie about that part of their history if it was there. Matoi had only been cooperative with them and encouraged more than most Holders, partnership in at least some duties, so that they could better work together in the future.

Hmmm.. Karene was certainly going to have a lot of things to discuss with Matoi when she got to that point.

(sorry, that's me assuming that Karene's been getting previous info from Weyr archives/records or harper hall copies or old records from what's been recovered at Igen, etc)



Looking to Zorayda then, he added, "Before conducting Searches, I've been reminding our Searchriders to be extra considerate of the holds they visit, in order to fill additional needs for the upcoming Weyr re-opening. They've assured me that they have done everything they can to be courteous, but regardless, it seems there are pockets of anti-weyr sentiment in just about every territory. If not perhaps just because we are simply an unknown entity, and therefore, they are not comfortable with the idea of us taking their children. People fear the unknown, do they not? If they were to have a better understanding of us -maybe see things for themselves- it might be different.

"I wonder if it would help to have an Igen Weyr Gather of some sort, before the first clutching there, so that we could make an event of the re-opening and invite surrounding holds of all sizes to join us to have a walk through the new Weyr -get to know the Weyr better? That might help dispel fears of the 'unknown' and shine a happier light on us as a whole; help improve the view of the Weyrs in the eyes of the general population. We could even go the extra length to help ferry additional folk in by dragonback, who might not be able to attend otherwise. Perhaps the Holders could host a special lottery for those opportunities so that a a handful of folk from any given region would be able to attend. Once they return home, they'll be able to spread good word about the weyr." It was all a litttttle off topic he knew, but it was something not too off the mark that could be considered for the future, since it had been brought up in some respect.


(hope that works!)

Good, all that would be settled.

Karene returned his mischievious smile with one of her own. "Do you want more, D'nier?" She could add to his list if he wanted. Soon she wouldn't need him as much. When she was finally free of this bed rest. Her hand moved from the table to lay on her belly as she tried not to laugh.

"Hmm yes, there will be quite a bit I need to discuss with the Lord Holder of Telgar. For the moment our communications have been limited as I've been limited to this particular room. When I am once again permitted to leave the Weyr, I would like to go to Telgar Hold and Telgar Weyr myself." She wanted to meet with the Lord Holder and the Weyrleaders. "Then perhaps also have a talk with the Lord Holder of Igen. He might lend us some insight as well."

Searchriders were genuinely charming, most of the time. She had found no fault really with her Searchriders at all. They seemed to be right more than they were wrong and no one had issued a complaint to her about treatment. "I think we can rely on our lead Searchrider to keep them in order but I'll double check with him to make sure there have been no incidents that were not reported to me or Weyrleader D'nier immediately after one may have occurred."

Karene didn't see the Searches themselves being the problem. Maybe it was more of a Hold problem that had swept over into the Weyr. Bad timing perhaps.

"A Gather is a good way to improve morale but I fear that will not come soon enough. If by any chance this is because of the input of resources to the Weyr and not to the people in the Hold then perhaps a Gather might be a problem as much as it is a help." She took a deep breath.

"I'll think more on it and have you both do the same. Maybe its easier than we think. After I meet with the Lord Holders things might become more clear to us as well." She said, looking down at the huge weight in her middle. If the child would just come out already, she would be able to get more done!

"Which reminds me... I need to speak with the Headwoman later about supplies for the Masquerade."

Zorayda took a few more notes down, but couldn't think of anything else to add. She knew what she needed to do over the next few days, and she had a couple of ideas to pursue to see if they were feasible. She could bring them up at the next meeting.

"Well, we should have a chat after the interviews are done, but I can't think of anything else that we need to discuss now, is there?" Zorayda flipped through her notebook to see if anything she'd written recently would jog her memory about a point she'd wanted to bring up. However, her quick perusal brought up nothing, so Zorayda shut her notebook, and looked up at the Weyrleaders of Fort to see if they had anything else to discuss.

Maybe, if this was over, she and Kara could discuss the Masquerade. Zora was sure that Kara would give birth before the ball occurred, and Zora wanted to know what Kara was going to be doing for the ball.

Zorayda didn't know about Karene, but Zorayda was looking forward to the anonymity of a mask.

Well, at least he'd been able to make Karene laugh a little. He felt like the longer she was stuck on bedrest, the more likely it was that her moods would take a turn for the worst so, it was good to have her in a good spirits now. When the Weyrwoman grinned and struggled momentarily not to laugh too much, he couldn't help but chuckle, himself.

Making mental notes to himself about each of Karene's comments, D'nier thought he'd be sure to bring up the idea of a Igen Opening Gather again in the near future. He liked the idea of one, but Karene might be right to have them consider it further, while they get other things accomplished first.

Anyway, it was going on his own list of to-do's for later. He did have a sizable list for now, as it was. Enough to keep him as busy -which was how he preferred it.

Looking between the Weyr Ladies then, D'nier uncrossed his legs, sitting up so that he could lean forward a bit in his chair, as though he were about to stand. There, he slapped his hands to his knees, offering, "I can't think of anything else to add just yet, either. It would be nice to reconvene once the interviews have been complete, and I'll present a list of candidates for that patrol and the watches for the new Weyr.

"It looks like we'll all have our hands quite full over the next several days so, if there's no more reason for me to remain, I'll get started and let you two get back to visiting."

D'nier awaited Karene's okay before he would get up to leave, just in case she had anything final to add.