Plans in Action (Lord & Lady Holders, Weyrleaders of Fort & Telgar)

Arriving early to Fort Weyr, Rihan wasn't sure how many others had already arrived, and from where the ferrying dragon had landed, he only saw one other Holder hurrying ahead toward the Weyr Hall. After expressing his appreciation to the dragonrider who'd brought him, he made his own way to the great, expansive caverns of Fort.

The massive doors to the Weyr Hall set ajar for guests to enter, Rihan moved within, taking perhaps a handful of minutes to appreciate the artistry of the tapestries hung for them. Studying their colour and design, he determined none of them were taken from any of the more popular stories shared by Pern’s Harpers of historical events, nevertheless...they were very beautiful works. While continuing to await the arrival of his hosts, Rihan quietly greeted others present and made sure to have his wine glass filled promptly. He did not begin to eat right away, rather, he took the time to drink his wine and mingle appropriately, his glass being nearly emptied by the time the Weyrleaders made their appearance.

Rihan thought that Karene was striking in her beauty, but displaying such an abrupt, almost coarse manner was not becoming of her in his mind. When the Weyrwoman jumped right into her speech, he also thought it a bit off-putting that guests would have to fill their mouths while they were discussing business if they wanted to eat -Rihan was accustomed to drinks being shared during discussion, but not a meal. Being bright enough to realize that for the amount of planning that went into hosting guests of this caliber, he knew the timing of the meal had not been a mistake; Considering the timing of things, he also had to admit it was a fine little plan of Fort Weyr to help keep verbal vomit to a minimum over matters at hand. However, he didn’t think that that would make the holders any more agreeable over things than usual.

Assuming that he himself would only indulge in a few savoury bites at this point, he would have to put off a full meal of any sort until his return home so that he could more freely participate in discussion; and that was a true shame in his mind, since it was widely acknowledged that Fort’s cooks were highly skilled and he would much rather take the opportunity to enjoy everything that had been prepared for them. Indulging in some of the delectable appetizers set before them while Karene spoke, Rihan finished his glass of wine, motioning to a drudge that it be refilled. A steadily growing uproar began over the plan that the Weyrwoman presented. Many of those present debated things in loud voices across the table or amoungst those seated next to them, but no one took it upon themselves to address the council as a whole yet. Since that was the case, once his wineglass had been refilled, it was quietly that Rihan leaned over the arm of his chair to whisper a few words into his father’s ear. Rihan’s father was still frowning in thoughtful deliberation over everything, but gave a nod, seeming to approve of whatever his son had said. It was then that Rihan stood from his chair to take the room’s attention.


Inclining his torso to about forty five degrees, the young Lord Holder bowed. Because of what he was about to say, he felt it implicit that he should formally present himself in a humble way. Even as he spoke, Rihan maintained the posture, his deep voice carrying the authority of his rank, but only with intonations of gentle persuasion. “Since I am the newest to join this great council, I will introduce myself for those of you who do not know me.”

Rihan’s speech paused there so that those who were still arguing amoungst themselves had time to take notice that they were being addressed. Though it was unlikely that anyone amoungst them ‘did not know of’ Rihan, he wanted to take all polite measure. Beside being polite however, introducing himself in such a way would help to secure the recognition of the authority that he possessed in each of their minds so that when he spoke of the issues at hand, there would be no question as to his right to do so.
“I am Rihan, Heir Apparent of Telgar Hold and Lord of the yet incomplete Telgar River Hold. I am greatly pleased that you have allowed me to join you for this general meeting. I must seem rude for addressing you like this as my father is with us and would normally care for such matters of business; I have implored him though, that I might take that opportunity from him today. I am still young in the ways of how Holders conduct themselves at such meetings so I would like to beg your forgiveness for my rude tongue if I were to say something remiss.”

Straightening himself proudly now, Rihan’s mysterious gray eyes swept the length of the the table to gage the reactions of those present. Rihan had read in the archives of Telgar Hold that Igen used to be supported by the Southern parts of his territory during its previous conception, so it came as little surprise to him to hear that the wyers would suggest a similar course of action now. The news of Lemos’ withdrawal of tithes from Telgar in order to support a different Weyr was still no good news and left Telgar with fewer options but to work that much harder to do their part. Rihan wasn’t about to challenge tradition to the point of neglecting Telgar Weyr, even if his way was a bit unorthodox at times. “Now then,” And as he went on, Rihan situated himself back into his seat, “It should be remembered that before Igen Weyr was abandoned by generations past, that Telgar used to tithe to her. That memory has been written into the archives of our Hold.”

Glancing down the length of the table to the Weyrwoman’s place, he continued, “I assume that the Weyrleadership only proposes adopting a similar territorial breakdown of the land the Weyrs must cover in order to achieve their purpose more efficiently. If drawing the weyrs’ territories in such a way worked well enough for our ancestors, then I can imagine that it would be plausible for us to work out such a plan today. However,” and with the break in his speech, he looked across the table to view those representing Igen Hold, as he was about to direct his words more toward them, ”if it is being suggested that Lemos will no longer be tithing to Telgar Weyr, it only becomes more imperative that we come to an agreement over the boundary disputes between Telgar and Igen Holds. Do we have any idea what amount of tithing exactly would be expected of Telgar to revive Igen? It would be inscrutable to expect that Telgar should not only have to provide Telgar Weyr with what Lemos no longer can, but at the same time, be asked to lend herself to a second weyr.”

It was at that point that Rihan’s eyes gleamed with a stern light that revealed his unwavering determination on the matter.”There are still productive holdings in the south that should have long ago been drawn within Telgar’s borders that would help meet this increase in need. Even those few additional minor holds and cotholds within our territory would make such a thing more manageable -especially provided their location in relation to the old Igen Weyr.”

As far as his own personal opinions went, well, Rihan didn’t usually care much how the Weyrleaders decided to go about their own business as long as his people were protected from thread when that day came. If they were going to insist on doing things like this however, Rihan was not about to hesitate to use the opportunity to pressure Igen into agreeing to drawing their shared border in a way that was to Telgar’s greater benefit. Though he knew that Igen’s leadership was certainly not pleased by what had yet again been proposed regarding the border populations, he hoped that this would provide enough reason for Igen’s Lord to take the idea a little more seriously. With that, Rihan shot a glance back down the table toward Fort’s Weyrwoman, wondering who would be the first to speak up next.

The uneasiness and outrage permeated the large room, Karene could feel it as easily as if she were a blue rider and known to have increased empathy. She was not without her own sense of how people reacted to bad news. As ludicrous as her ideas might seem to them, she would find a way to rationalize things for them. Seeing the young Lord of Telgar River Hold stand and bow, she inclined her head for him to proceed to speak. He was as well-spoken as the rest of them and ready to delicately address the issue. However, she perceived it was only his way to be polite in public. In his mind he was probably as angry as the rest of them. Karene would do whatever was necessary to protect Pern, even if it meant unsettling some Holders and ruffling some important feathers.

“Lord Rihan, is right to be concerned but let me put all your worries to rest. We are indeed returning to traditional tithing areas. ” She said smoothly, resisting the urge to laugh. Clever as they thought they were, they had no idea where she was headed with all of this. “Telgar Hold will be giving the same as other Holds only your tithing will now be split in half. The Weyr will not be able to cover costs of more travel for having to tithe to two places, for this I do apologize. Igen Hold will be doing the same as they are going to be protected by Igen Weyr and Ista Weyr.”

The opportunity to turn things in her favor was long past. It wasn’t like they were going to have much of a choice when it came down to it. “Telgar Weyr is not as big of a Weyr as Igen will be and so I expect they will not need as much as they were receiving before. We’ll be taking a good number of riders from Telgar Weyr to create Igen so I expect the number will be manageable with the Holds beholden to it.” Telgar had become so lazy and fat on its surpluses. She was not about to let the Weyrs become greedy.

“Not to worry my dear Holders, we take heart in the ballads: Dragonmen avoid excess, greed will bring the Weyr distress. This is exactly why Igen is needed. The goods will be dispersed more evenly and all the ground that needs to be covered during Fall will be covered. The most important mission to me and the Weyrs is the protection of the people of Pern.”

Seeing the young man use this to increase his family’s holdings, she almost shook her head. Who was she to interfere with Hold matters? Well if they wanted her opinion she would give it but until the other Lords asked her to be the objective third party. “Lord Rihan I am not the authority on Hold property.” Although she used to be a Lady herself before she was Searched and knew all about where the Hold lines were blurry, she could not involve herself here.

“If you feel that Igen Hold has territory that is shared with Telgar then perhaps those populations can provide part of the tithe for both Igen and Telgar Holds for Igen Weyr. The two Holds will be expected to resolve this peaceably or the Weyrs will be forced to intervene. Otherwise I think it best during these meetings to keep things between the Holds, between the Holds this is not the business of the Weyr nor my place to give you leave to do anything that might be seen as an attack on Igen Hold.”

The meeting was going to get worse. She could feel that, now that they were all riled up and at least one Hold had been insulted, things were going to blow up. Personally she did not care a whit about their little tantrums as long as they did as they were told to do. Karene figured if she could handle a proddy Queen, she could handle anything. “Anyone care to comment further?” Retreating into her own thoughts she wondered what they were going to propose next. Attacking one another in wide open so they could have multiple Holdings? They should simply let her rule the world and everything would be run as smoothly as a baby’s bottom.

~~~~~~~~~


NPC Igen Lord Holder- Qisbon, 62 Turns

He was displeased with some of the discussions being thrown about after the Weyrwoman’s speech. Qisbon was not new to this game of politics. When young Rihan stood up and said his piece, the older Lord nearly gasped in astonishment. He had nerve! The Weyrwoman however was not going to be trapped into condoning any political action between the Holds. The abrupt character of the woman was disconcerting but at least she had a good head on her shoulders. Well she couldn’t ride a Gold if she were completely insane or even dumb.

“Dear Weyrwoman, I humbly request to address Lord Rihan directly.” The woman nodded ascent and began twirling her red hair between her fingers. “I see no reason why this long disputed over land should be Telgar’s when Igen Hold will also have to split its tithes, which once solely went to Ista Weyr and now must also go to Igen. We need to feed and care for our people as well Lord Rihan. However we might be able to come to an amicable agreement.” He felt rather clever right now. The young man was going to have no idea what to do with himself.

“Lord Rihan, I will give you those Holdings.” The whole room went so quiet a pin could drop and sound like a thundering herd. He thought maybe the other Holders were looking a bit pale in the face. “ I do however require something in return.” The Weyrwoman had stopped twirling her hair, her pale eyes looked quite amused. Someone had already caught on to what was going on. It seemed to him that Rihan had yet to grasp what was happening.

“My daughter, Eolyn is looking for a marriage. Those lands are her dowry.” In other words if he wanted those holdings, he was going to have to make an alliance with Igen Hold by marrying Qisbon’s daughter. Most of the Holder’s in the room had been trying to find a way to get a marriage with the Igen lady but her father was quite picky about where she went and only a Holder or his heir would do. Eolyn’s reputation preceded her at most Gatherings. She was known to be quiet, virtuous and very pretty. For these reasons alone he had become protective of his petite child.

He only hoped he had finally put Telgar into a position where there was no reason they could refuse. This was the perfect alliance for Igen Hold and he finally had the opportunity to present it. His daughter was going to bring some peace to those fought over territories where the people never really knew if they were from Igen or Telgar. If anything they would know they belonged with Eolyn who would also be from Igen and Telgar when this was all said and done.

By the time the Weyrwoman finished addressing him, at which point he didn't really feel as though he had any reason to comment further, Rihan had settled back anticipating what Lord Qisbon's speech would entail. Until some agreement or agreement to disagree was realized between the two Holds now in the spotlight, he had no reason to address the tithing issue any further with the Weyrleaders.

With legs cross over at the knee, the young Lord steepled his fingertips, peering over their apex across the table at Igen's Lord Holder. Listening intently, his manner portrayed him as being very attentive. Rihan's sharp eyes lifted to meet Qisbon's own as he suggested "amicable agreements", wondering what measures his Neighbor was willing to take to come to some sort of agreement.


“Lord Rihan, I will give you those Holdings.”

There was a catch... there was always a catch.

“My daughter, Eolyn is looking for a marriage. Those lands are her dowry.”

He could have laughed considering how pleased Lord Qisbon must have been with himself, but the man's words only spurred Rihan's mind into the most expedient and dizzying churn of thought he could have immagined. He had to commend the Lord of Igen for his own boldness and quick thinking; or had he planned to use such tactics all along? Had Qisbon been waiting until they were before not only a council of Lords but a council of Weyrleadership, in order to make such a proposal? Because the issue between them had yet to escalate to threats of violence or even backlash over trade or anything other, there'd been no real need to step negotiations up to this level. But this gathering had presented the prime opportunity and both families were making brilliant moves on the veritable game board. In the end, it was only a fair trade of blows, so Rihan couldn't blame him.


It was also, in a way, proving to be the most difficult circumstance Rihan felt he'd ever been positioned in, and he struggled immensely to maintain any semblance of composure. From his periphery, there was no indication that his father, Lord Matoi, was about get up or make any move to interject, even though Rihan could feel the anticipation emanate from him almost tangibly. Rihan understood it all as a sign that his father had truly entrusted the outcome of this meeting to the good judgement of his son, no matter what chaos might ensue. That was the biggest show of love and encouragement Matoi could have ever given him. For that reason, Rihan had no choice but to act in a way that would honour his family.

No, there was no need for Rihan to look to his father for direction now. Rihan had just stepped into the grande arena of Lord Holders, and Lord Qisbon seemed all too glad to initiate him into the group in a manner none of them could have expected.

As Rihan considered things however, his mind became calm again and he was decided. Such a marriage, after all, would benefit both Holds more than no union at all, regardless of any other negotiations.

"Lord Qisbon," You sneaky, brilliant bastard!, "Telgar is honoured by your proposal and gladly accepts. There could be no finer offer, and I look forward to finalizing the details of the agreement in private. You may rest assured that all of Telgar will care for your daughter and looks forward to the day of her arrival." Rihan paused, allowing the briefest smirk to pull at the corners of his lips, "Also know that it pleases me to look forward to having closer relations with a father-in-law who is as cunning a man as yourself. It should...make things interesting."

The grin broadened a bit, taking the opportunity to make an enjoyable encounter of the occasion, "I am hopeful that my future father-in-law and I will get along splendidly in turns to come."

Karene was amused beyond words at the change in events. Anticipating some shock on the younger Lord’s part she was pleasantly surprised to see him keep his cool. Taking another sip of her wine, she watched the people at the table. Although each of them had an equal claim to that dowry it had been directed only to Telgar. Rather insulting really to the other Holders present, even her father’s stony demeanor was slightly shaken. At first Karene did not realize she was staring at the man who had raised her. His face had more wrinkles than she remembered. The silver coming into his ruddy hair was becoming, perhaps something she had to look forward to. Still, there was a strain behind the ice blue eyes that sent a small shiver down her spine.

Whatever people might think of her life and her regrets, the only regret she had as a child had been that she was not born a son. Her father would have chosen her as his heir if she had been. There was no doubt in her mind that of all his children, she was most like him. Her brother was not going to lead Southern Boll well, as far as she was concerned but fortunately for her, Southern Boll owed homage to her Weyr and at the slightest of infractions she would see her brother unseated from his Lordship. Which was why, though she hated being so separated from the people she once loved deeply, she knew she had made the right decision coming to the Weyr those twenty odd Turns ago.

Her eyes having glazed over for a moment, she shook her head. Faranth, why did she even care now? They had disowned her the moment she had walked out of their door to be a rider. What they had not expected was she would become a Senior Weyrwoman and be someone with so much authority. Even now, she could council the people gathered here as an equal, rather than simply a wife or background figure. As long as it took her to think through all of that, it had taken Rihan to answer the Lord of Igen. Smiling smugly, she spoke up, “Heard and witnessed. The engagement of Lord Rihan of Telgar River Hold and Lady Eolyn of Igen Hold is officially recognized by Fort Weyr and those Holds who are represented here.”

The red haired woman was actually glad this had all come up. It had distracted them all from the former conversation. If she had things her way, the meeting would end now without further thought to what had been brought up before the engagement. However, she doubted the Lords would let this go, they had more greed in their souls than newly hatched dragonets had when it came to feeding. Karene knew this was not going to go over well with any of them because people did not embrace change when it first met them. It took patience which unfortunately she was not finding much of in herself. Eventually though she was sure most of them would find this system to not upset their daily lives much at all. The increased Searches were probably going to be the hardest thing for the Lords to get over. Losing able bodied young men and women was actually