Details Of The Future {Meeting}

[Admin]

But don't forget to breathe,
And all the suffering that you've witnessed,
And the hand prints on the wall,
They remind you how it's endless.

Thirty-six chairs were arranged neatly around the table in the meeting room off the records halls. The first of them to be occupied was at the head of the table, on the right. The Sr. Weyrwoman of Dalibor's chair, with the Sr. Weyrleader to be at her left, still at the head of the table with her, and their only Jr. Weyrwoman to be at her right, just off of the two commanding chairs. Fajra sat with utter poise, even though no one else had arrived yet. Her posture was perfect and her expression intense for all of its cold control. After certain recent choices in her life, she was focusing even more on her work. She flipped through the hides she had covered with neatly organized note for the meeting of the weyrleaders of Pern that was just minutes away from happening. In her final moment of peace, she leaned back and took one deep breathe. Time to prove.

The first delegates arrived slightly early, and they were the only ones Fajra would be happy to see. A boisterous gold appeared over the bowl, flanked by a steady iron and a quick blue. They deposited their riders at the opening of the passage to the hall. Then they went to settle on the rim, with the blue, a flighty creature with a clear, sky colored hide, in the lead. Kalith was already perched on one of the highest points of the heights. She was ready to openly lord over all of the Queens and Kings that would be coming. However, she did show a tiny bit respect to the gold that settled near her by dipping her head. Her rider did the same, standing as the three other riders entered the room. They were dressed in Bay Weyr colors. Somewhere, she still a Queens' wing uniform in those colors. "Deria, P'pin, and, wingsecond?"

"Lili, of blue Azeuth;" the bluerider corrected for her as she pulled her riding helmet off, revealing a pixie cut of sandy brown hair and freckles. Deria, Sr. Weyrwoman of Bay and rider of gold Zibiath, gave Fajra an insistent hug, which she duly accepted, and then settled into her seat with a simple, elegant smile. P'pin, not speaking a word or approaching her in the slightest, but also smiling a pleasant, welcoming smile, sat down beside her once she was seated. After stretching for a moment, flexing her lithe body with the biggest grin, Lili took up the other seat next to Deria. With the quick, curt reunion over, Fajra settled back into her seat, maintaining the silence. She was sure that Avalle or O'sho, who would also be early, would break it. Noting that only P'pin of the three had brought any writing hides, she checked her notes again.

Your whole life is here,
No eleventh hour reprieve,
So don't forget to breathe,
Keep your head above water.

[Reky]

In the colours of Benden Weyr, a tall and powerful woman vaulted from her gold Queen and strode into the meeting room. Brown eyes, surrounded by lines of age and stress, surveyed the room with a youthful fire. Her black hair, cut army short, was graying by now, but Weyrwoman Issole did not exude any air of coming age. Outside, Larascath dipped her head briefly Kalith, the Queen of this weyr, but held herself high and silent.

Spring to her step, along with importance, she gave a smile as her greeting and sank into her assigned chair at the meeting table.

A bronze landed, then, and his rider walked with rushed purpose. His jog coming to a slow halt, he put a hand on the back of a chair and adjusted his collar and took off his riding glove and goggles. K'rid, Weyrleader of High Reaches Weyr and Rider of Bronze Orisinth, sat down. His skin was extremely dark, his head shaved bald, and a dense but short beard grew on his chin. He looked around the table expectantly, impatiently, waiting for more to come and for the meeting to start and pass. He leaned back in his chair, idly drumming his fingers on the arm of it. His eyes shifted to an incoming petite young woman, with brown hair short and slicked back.

Jr. Weyrwoman Lury's steel gray eyes held some large amount of guarded emotion. Outside, her gold Bradith trumpeted her arrival, arcing her antique-gold back. In no way did Lury's stature make her seem small. Her attitude and ego made up for it and more. She held her posture rigidly straight, her chin level, and her Fort Weyr uniform in tip-top shape. She had a refined, dignified face, fit for one of her almost-thirty Turns. She looked behind her for her Weyrwoman and Weyrleader.

[/blockquote]

[purnip]

Bursting from the cold of between, Gold Altorith of Southern Weyr swept through the skies like a great shining cleaver though fog. Upon her back rode the Weyrwoman of said location, firmly attached to the back of her great beast as they began a slow decent towards Pern's surface. The details of Dalibor were becoming clearer as they had conquered the cloud cover. Though their entrance into this region was to be admired, it reflected little to nothing of the woman that rode such a proud creature.

The soft-spoken Kait was a shock to the weyr from whence she came once upon a time. Unlike your average Weyrwoman, she had little of that strong determination to her. When she had stood on the Sands many year ago, many wouldn't have guessed that the volatile Gold dragonet that bullied the female Candidates would have chosen her to be her rider. Back then, she was a quiet little girl that had such a big heart, yet no one would have made her out to be leadership material. Despite their lack of belief in her, they noticed a nearly dramatic change to Kait's demeanor after she Impressed to Altorith. No doubt the Gold was loud and demanding, but it wasn't believed that she could have such an impact on a girl people believed would faint at the sight of a thin cut.

Kait wasn't a proud person. She wasn't ambitious and she had no qualms with those who were. She was however, a very diplomatic woman. She managed, despite the doubts, to hold Southern together well. Granted, not everyone was pleased with her ways. It would be impossible to earn everyone's approval.

Altorith began to retract her wings to quicken their decent, already having spotted the weyr. Once they were close enough, she had landed with little regard for elegance. She preferred to have a more solid aura about her, as she was the sort of dragon that demanded respect rather than asked for it. She didn't care whether she was a hostess or a guest. She bugled a greeting to Kalith, as well as Larascath, Orisinth, and Bradith. She did not care if she was loudest; Altorith rather preferred to be.

The Gold lowered herself to allow Kait to slip down from her back. The Sr. Weyrwoman had gotten so used to the size of her dragon by now that it wasn't all that difficult to get off and on, as it was when she had to deal with the rapidly growing beast. She strode for the entrance and it would have been easy to tell why it might have been a shock to anyone that Kait belonged to Altorith. She strode with the elegance of a ballroom dancer. Her eyes were small and her lashes were dark and plentiful. They were the color of honey, as was the color of her flowing hair. She looked like one of the daintiest people you would have hoped to see, should you have hoped to see someone quite like that. Before leaving the other dragons she turned to bow her head to them in greeting before going on.

When she arrived to the Meeting Room, she also bowed to the others politely. "Greetings. I am Kait, rider of Gold Altorath and Senior Weyrwoman of Southern Weyr." She paused for a moment, as if someone was speaking to her and she were listening, before she added, "I enjoy meeting you all at last, though the circumstances that have called for this meeting aren't favorable in the least." Her voice was soft with not a hint of sarcasm or arrogance. She almost sounded like a child amidst grown-ups. She took her seat and waited for others to arrive.

[lesa]

Telgar's Senior Weyrwoman made a mental note to ask how B'wie and Sjanseth were doing - not that the whitepair had likely caught much of Fajira or O'sho's attention in the recent days. Understandably, the Dalibor leaders were more than a little busy. She let Yikinath backwing to a gentle stop, sliding her way down the gold's shoulder once fully landed. A gentle stroke to the worried rose-gold's nose and then off she went to join her fellows, for once not appearing like a pale copper, when compared to Kalith, but clearly showing her golden undertone. A simple nod to the hosting copper Queen, but no more - they were equals, and the gold was the elder.

Nancee's petite qualities were emphasized by the significant roundness to her stomach, angles of her face softened not just from her multiple births but the removal of her constricting flight helmet, dark braid thudding against her back. She nodded swiftly to the assembled leaders as she almost-but-not-quite-waddled into the hall: a far cry from her normal swift, assured strides, but she was used to it by now. Storm-blue eyes stated her intentions as she made a beeline for what she hoped was the door to a ladies room. Sharding long flight! Really hoped this one was a girl - her littlest Nara would need all the help she could get against her four brothers... though the two-turn old was already well on her way to wrapping the four of them around her little finger. The mid-thirties woman sighed in relief that her guess had been correct, efficiently seeing to her business then working her way to her seat.

--

K'enti sighed to himself when Skepnadth landed, banishing that other worry away for now - he would have to talk to Issole. Kamesso and Issati were both under the impression their mother was mad at them. Teenagers. He had explained that he and their mother were both just very busy, but... ah well. Deal with that later. Other leaders now. The Benden Weyrleader ran a hand through his flight-helmet hair, the gray growing out from his temples feeling no different than the rest of the brown mass. Still amusing how his hair was longer than his lady's - not that much longer, but shaggier than her formal close cut. Dark eyes watched as his deep bronze Skepnadth settled in beside his Larascath, nodding to Kalith before giving his gold a soft croon of greeting.

His face was gently touched with laugh and anger lines, more laugh lines than anger. He zeroed in on his Weyrwoman, preparing to walk over to her and sit before greeting everyone - at least until he noticed Nancee making her slow way around the large table. Instead, he made his way quickly over to the pregant Weyrwoman's side, helping her to her seat. "What's this?" he asked her quietly, "Number six?"
She threw him a speaking look and merely said, "Don't spoil this one so much, please. You're near threatening to outdo my mum." He chuckled, "Honorary uncle's prerogative, and you know as well as I that neither Kam nor Sati play with my little whittlings - if I give them to your brood, there's use out of them, rather than them being glorified dust catchers." Nancee shook her head fondly, not bothering to resist as the older man settled her in her seat, giving her hand one last squeeze before joining Issole, sitting next to her with a soft smile and a nod to Fajra.
"K'enti of bronze Skepnadth, Weyrleader of Benden," he gestured to Issole next to him and hoped his next words weren't going to get him hurt in some form or fashion, "Issole of gold Larascath, my Weyrwoman." Another smile was directed at his lady, a gently self-mocking grin.

How her elder brother had gotten that one as his Woodcrafter partner she would never know, but they'd been thick as thieves up until Kamenwati's Search and Impression. Amittedly, though the better question was just how did he have the time to whittle? Oh, this was going to be a fun meeting. She could bare keep her attention on one thing for more than five minutes. Nancee blinked at the nudge from Yikinath. Right. Introduce herself. Whoops!
"Nancee of gold Yikinath, Weyrwoman of Telgar..." she rested a hand on her prominent belly, "and freeloader." Yiki's sigh of annoyance was ignored - wasn't bragging or wanting praise, just trying to make a slight joke!

EDIT: Added introductions... knew I was forgetting something! And Reky, if you want me to take out K'enti's introducing Issole, just let me know.[/size]

[Nia]

Avalle wasn't really late, not by that much, really. She was on time! She was supposed to be early... and now she was simply on time. Callistath was scolding her in her mind as the brunette dug around her room, trying to find the notes she'd so carefully put together, only to find them crumbled in a ball under her bed. She glared down at the notes, as though she could wish them to uncrumble and look nice and neat again, but it, obviously, was not working. With an exhausted sigh she tossed them back on to her floor and walked confidently over to the Gold waiting for her. She wasn't nervous, and she was prepared even without her notes. This would be easy. She'd show them all just what she was capable of!

With a quick scolding about acting more diginified and refined, Callistath took off and dropped Avalle off at the entrance, then settled down next to Kalith on her own ledge. The Gold gave a respectful nod to Kalith, but merely dipped her head politely towards the others in greeting. They were all equals, really, even if Callistath was only a Junior Queen, that didn't matter. They were the hosts, her and Kalith both. They should give her as much respect as they had given the Copper Queen... even though they had arrived slightly late. But that was fine... as Daidoroth wasn't there either, so if anything, at least they were earlier than O'sho.

Avalle entered the room with no hesitance whatsoever. She wasn't scared of any of these people, she was on equal rank with them, wasn't she? So there was no reason for her to try and impress them, because they should already be impressed. She'd put her hair up for the "occassion" in a rather elegant bun, and it made her look a bit more mature than she would have. Mature was good, it meant they would take her seriously. She gave a confident smile to everyone already present. "Junior Weyrwoman of Dalibor, Avalle of Gold Callistath, at your service," she introduced herself in an almost sarcastic, cheeky way, but unless they were really paying attention to her (which Avalle doubted) no one would notice. However, Callistath gave her a very harsh scolding for acting so carefree and almost mocking the meeting itself, but Avalle assured her it was nothing like that. This was a very serious matter... she'd drop into "serious mode" when it started. After giving a quick introduction to those present (she was sure she'd have to repeat it) she sat down in her seat as elegantly as possible, waiting patiently for the meeting to start.

--------

Another Gold emerged out from between, though this one had a Bronze dragon with her. The Gold was rather small and very lightly colored, but the Bronze was large and dark toned, making a harsh contrast between the two. The difference between the riders was also soon aparent as the two dragons hovered close to each other, allowing the two riders to talk. "I don't like this," the black-haired woman riding the Gold said, frowning deeply. She was Ithari, and her Gold was Freyath, an odd Gold that seeked happiness, and unfortunately, did not get it with Ithari. The woman glared down at Dalibor, not wanting to land. "Well? Are you going to respond to me?" she snapped to the Weyrleader of Eastern Weyr, her very unforunate Weyrmate, B'tra.

He gave a short, nervous laugh and allowed his Bronze Meneth to land. Ithari was not pleased with this, but Freyath landed without bothering to ask her short-tempered rider anything. "Answer me when I speak to you!" she snapped. B'tra laughed again, "Sorry. There's just not much to say," he said, attempting to placate her. She didn't like him, and he had no clue why. He supposed that was why she was so bitter. Or perhaps it was her extreme lack of any kind of a figure, as the young woman in her mid-twenties looked fourteen. "Whatever. Idiot. Just hurry up and let's get this over with." With that, she walked in, keeping her head held high and her nose turned up. B'tra gave an apologetic smile to those around them, and decided to introduce Eastern rather than allow Ithari to. He knew he was going to end up doing most of the talking anyway while Ithari sulked in the background.

He gave a cheery wave to the few people gathered already, "I'm B'tra of Bronze Meneth, and that's Ithari of Gold Freyath. It's very nice to see all of you," he said cheerily, and Ithari rolled her eyes with a very exaggerated motion at him.

[/size]

[Lan]

The High Reaches Gold Queen appeared over the Dalibor Starstone and glided calmly down into the bowl. Mirith was a large queen, pushing fifty-six feet in length, but she had a very calm and collected demeanor. While proud, she was not a jealous Queen. She did not act without thinking, and she was normally a gentle and kind sort of Gold, except during flights or when something serious struck her Weyr. She landed only almost gracefully near where the meeting was to take place and she crouched low to allow her rider to dismount with the smallest difficulty possible. 'The air smells of blood...' She told her rider, more of a warning than an observation. Mina, the new Weyrwoman of High Reaches Weyr, sighed heavily and slipped down onto the stone floor. 'I shall be listening.' Mirith hummed encouragingly and then, with a respectful call to Kalith, she took off to find a more comfortable spot to eavesdrop.

Mina strode into the hall with only the pride of tradition to accompany her and took her place near the High Reaches Weyrleader. 'Mina of Gold Mirith, Weyrwoman of the High Reaches Weyr.' She said with respect to Fajra before sitting down. She smiled with feigned affection at her Weyrleader, then proceeded to stare down a spot at the table in front of her. Mirith's first clutch as Senior Queen of High Reaches Weyr had hatched not half a year ago. She had been caught by Bronze Orisinth after the older Senior Queen had failed to rise and her rider was still feeling somewhat new to the position. While still being trained by the older Senior Weyrwoman, Mina felt a bit unprepared to attend such an important and grave meeting. However, it was her duty, and she would serve her Weyr and its best interest to the best of her ability.

Mina was a small woman, with shoulder-length dark brown hair and light blue eyes that had a certain brand of innocence to them. However, she was not without her defenses. Mina had proved a shrewd, clever mind with a dangerous smile that could hide any large amount of distaste. No one could really ever tell what she was thinking. So good she was at pretending, she doubted even her Weyrleader could tell that she really did not find him appealing. Mirith was her only love, and there was no man or woman that could ever even capture a piece of her heart. Still, she didn't mind so much the subtle perks that came along with having a lover, even if their relationship was mostly professional.

She gave a seemingly affectionate pat on K'rid's leg, beneath the table where no one would notice, then she started observing all the other Weyrleaders around the room. Dalibor, of course, was already there... and others were slowly filing in. She kept a careful eye on them, noting mannerisms and other seemingly insignificant details that she could possibly use to make out their overall demeanor or stances on issues. Mina, ever a patient people-watcher, liked gathering as much data on someone as possible before letting her guard down. That that it ever really came down, except with Mirith. The two were thick as thieves, partners in crime, and what Mina couldn't figure out about a person, Mirith undoubtedly could, and between the two of them they knew all the gossip there was to know about their Weyr and a few others. She kept a constant stream of description and analysis going to her dragon, all the while her assumed timidity was covering her constant telepathic conversation. Not to mention her naturally jumpy mannerisms that betrayed a timid conscience that may or may not have actually been there.

Thus, slowly the High Reaches Weyrwoman settled into the swing of what was the atmosphere of a meeting of Weyrleaders, yet anxiety was still thick in the air. There was no telling how this meeting would play out, and there certainly was no precedent set before. Dragon had never fought dragon before. Clutch siblings had spilled each other's blood... the thought made a collective shiver go up the spines of both dragon and rider.

[theknightwhosaysni]

The playful G’ren, Wingsecond of Telgar Weyr exploded from the cold of between just above Dalibor Weyr on the back of Bronze Weleth. G’ren leaned over to examine the Weyr – ”Rather unimpressive, Weleth, my love.” the man commented, ”I think there ought to be more people running about and more dragons in the air, like back at home. It would make the Weyr appear more homey, you know?”

The bronze beneath rumbled in laughter, It does not have to be homey for it to be a man or dragon’s home. Weleth commented as he folded landed daintily on the ground, his eyes whirling in amusement.

G’ren laughed, patting Weleth’s back as Weleth landed near the Weyr of Fajra, rider of Copper Kalith. Well, that was what his Weyrleader, K'lsran had said her name was.

Slipping from Weleth’s back, G’ren waved goodbye in the direction of his bronze lifemate – ”Be careful, my love.” he warned, perhaps uselessly as he walked proudly away from his Bronze and towards the room that they would be meeting with the other Weyrleaders with. He would be interested to see what would happen…

”G’ren, Wingsecond of Bronze Weleth.” he introduced himself, inclining his head respectfully, and settling into one of the chairs with a lazy smile. This was promising to be great fun already.

-

Not long behind G’ren was K’ren of bronze Frikieth, a majestic creature who had little respect for the females around. Frikieth was a grand creature, perhaps even the grandest, or so he considered himself to be, why should he bow down to any other than Malicith? That was no matter, anyways. They would not be socializing for long with the others, and Frikieth would not be expected to lower himself to socialize with the other dragons. He felt a small amount of pity for his rider, K’ren, because he would have to converse with the other creatures that were so much smaller than Frikieth, despite the fact that His K’ren was one of those creatures.

K’ren was not much like Frikieth, with very little pride in his small body, and he hated leading, unlike Frikieth. He didn’t mind the more mundane parts of being Weyrleader, but making decisions was extremely annoying, and K’ren wasn’t going to do anything that he considered annoying. He was stubborn, much like his dragon, which was probably how he’d been chosen by Frikieth, but he didn’t have much ambition, which put K’ren and Frikieth at odds occasionally.

Frikieth settled down on the ledge just long enough for K’ren to slide from his back before he leapt into the air, settling down near the other dragons, barely sparing them a glance. It was much better to stand separate from the other dragoons, considering the fact that they weren’t nearly as good as he was.

A slight incline of his head was all the greeting he offered them, and the bronze made it clear from the stiff way that he held himself that he didn’t want, any greeting in return.

K’ren was only vaguely aware of Frikieth’s antics in the back of his mind as he walked quietly into the room where so many other weyrleaders and wingseconds had gathered, ”K’ren of Bronze Frikieth.” he introduced himself, picking a chair at random, and settling down in, making quite sure that there was room next to him for Imala to sit beside him.

Be sure to leave a favorable impression, Mine. Frikieth spoke calmly, I will not be shamed by your careless antics.

K’ren snorted inwardly, Yeah, yeah, I know, Frikieth. Relax. And that was that.

[kyrillion]

A short, smiling woman in her late twenties was next to arrive, light brown hair trimmed short and tousled from the flight. She was tanned and slender, both a product of many years as a rider, though her demeanor suggested a casualness rather atypical of a weyrwoman. "Imala of Copper Malicith." She announced with a nod of greeting, before moving to take the seat beside K'ren. Her hand lingered for a moment on his shoulder, a discreet show of affection. They worked well together, and she was glad to have him here as backup.

The smile persisted as she surveyed the other delegates, brown eyes dancing with curiosity, and she looked quite laid back in spite of the tension already palpable in the room. She was a friendly woman, easygoing and forgiving; not the sort you would expect to keep Ista in shape and running smoothly, but she did so well enough. She was an efficient director who was perfectly at home in the hustle and bustle of organized chaos, and an effortless multitasker. She wasn't a bad peacemaker, either, when the situation called for it - though when it came to disciplining, she usually delegated such tasks to K'ren, or to one of the wingleaders.

Malicith, a large copper but by no means a match for Kalith in size, was by far more spirited than Imala. Though her rider's equal in amicability, she was nevertheless more prideful and strict in her leadership. Immediately after dropping her rider off for the meeting, she took to wing and approached the other delegates, fiery metallic hide winking in the sunlight. A friendly bugle served as a greeting, and she settled down beside Callistath as opposed to Frikieth - if he wanted to act aloof and patronizing, she'd leave him to his own devices. However, once both dragon and rider were settled, the gravity of the situation seemed to dampen both of their spirits, if only slightly. Dragons had fought dragons here, at Dalibor. Neither ever wanted to see the same at their beloved Ista. My apologies, for what happened here.[/color] She offered sedately to Callistath, though her focus soon turned back to her rider, and the impending meeting.

It was Gyllith who lit in the empty space beside Frikieth, though close enough to the others to offer an amiable enough greeting of his own. He was a young bronze, not the largest around, but a warm and handsome shade. He was a stately creature, withdrawn and even a bit shy; even moreso, given the circumstances. His rider, a severe, dark-haired young man, paused only to introduce himself - "M'kori of bronze Gyllith" - before quickly seizing the nearest, empty chair. He was Ista's junior weyrleader, but not entirely thrilled with his relatively new authority.

He wasn't a very social young man, and not happy to be here in the first place. That, in combination with his much less moderate viewpoints (he was an old-fashioned sort, at heart), had not endeared this Weyr to him at all. Dragons didn't fight dragons, everyone knew that! What made these Dalibor riders think themselves above that commandment, unwritten though it was? If he'd had his way, Ista would have refused the invitation to meet altogether; his Weyrleaders, however, did not share his particular ideology. As much as he respected both of them, he resented their decision to attend - and their insistence that he come along as part of the delegation. The sooner they got this meeting over with, the better.

Don't get your panties in a twist, MokoMine.[/color] Gyllith chastised mildly, causing his rider to jump slightly in surprise.
What?! Where did you even hear that phrase-? A pronounced scowl accompanied his words. Not that Gyllith could see it. That is unimportant. We are here already, Mine, and sulking isn't going to make this any easier.[/color] The bronze's tone was full of forced mirth - Gyllith wasn't any happier to be here than his rider, though more because he was uncomfortable outside of his own Weyr than because of any ideological dilemma. He wanted to cheer His up, though, if he could; preferably before the meeting started.[/size]

[Admin]

You wish you could bend, but then you just break,
You reach for your keys, now you're driving away,
You can't hear your thought for the sound of the rain,
And you hope that you'll never get back here again.

One by one and two by two and three by three, all of the representatives from all of the Weyrs arrived. Avalle wasn't as timely as Fajra would have liked, and O'sho definitely wasn't, but they appeared with some grace. She fixed Avalle with only a cold look. She didn't look at O'sho at all, as if oblivious to his presence when he eventually showed up. She caught a look from Deria instead that she ignored as if she was oblivious to what the kind, open stare that the arrival of the Daliborian Weyrleader heralded meant. She also ignored the faces that Lili made at her, and the majority of the rest of the room, until P'pin reached over and put a hand on her shoulder to make her stop. With a dramatic sigh, the youthful bluerider sunk back into her seat. The smallest smirk slid onto Fajra's face. An air of utter, assured control and confidence settled over her. The last weyrleader finally took a seat. Up on the heights, an oddly quiet Kalith shifted, stretching her neck up.

From the ranks of those that had filled the room, she rose. While it hadn't be noticeable before, she displayed the flight uniform that she wore as she stood. It was done in the colors of Dalibor, the colors of the newest Weyr of Pern, still struggling to keep its hold in the harsh world where they live, and the simple insignia of the Weyr was attached just below the left shoulder, under the knots that showed that she was a Weyrwoman. She moved with a fluid grace as she rose, and she stood tall and proud. She looked the part of one of the most powerful women in all of Pern, even in the presence of some of the only others who could outmatch her in rank and reach. "Welcome, everyone. Now, down to business. What issue should we address first?" Slowly slipping back into her seat, she looked around at them with her sharp eyes, expectant of a response. Deria watched her with a smile, even though the Bay delegates all remained silent.

Cause your head seems to know this is right,
But your heart isn't sure, and crash like a wave,
Cause a wave needs to crash, don't be afraid,
Just get on the train, take it right off the tracks.

[Kila]

O’sho was late entering the converted conference room, but not the last. He had preferred to linger outside with Daidoroth to make sure all the Weyrleaders arrived well and knew where to go. He greeted them warmly where appropriate, though some were not as kindly towards him as others, and when it seemed that the majority had arrived and the stream of royal Queens and Kings had stopped, O’sho went inside. He marveled as he entered the cavern how he was about to join the most punctual company on all of Pern. Punctuality was a necessity in running a Weyr.

He took his seat next to Fajra with dignity. The Weyrwoman did not look at him, and O’sho could feel the eyes of the others in the room studying them. Gossip of their less than orthodox relationship had gotten farther around than he’d thought, but it did not perturb him and he sat down unconsciously. The eyes of the three representatives of Igen were some of those upon him. While the dark eyes of the Weyrleader were full of judgment and speculation, the calm ones of the Weyrwoman merely observed. Iron Dionyth’s Rider, A’res, was a strong, bellicose man with strong opinions and he was ready to begin. His weyrmate and counterpart soothed him, however. The Weyrwoman of Igen, Semele of Golden Queen Liaath, let one hand remain soothingly on his thigh in one of his own hands. One of their Junior Weyrwomen, another Gold Rider sat silently and respectfully beside. She was more similar to A’res in temperament, but has learned female tact from Semele and, for now, kept her thoughts to herself.

When Fajra stood and addressed them, A’res was not afraid to be the first to speak. ”There’s no need to beat around the brush,” he said from his seat to Fajra and the others. Semele squeezed his hand lightly. A’res’ lips pressed into a tight line and he looked darkly across the table at Dalibor’s authority. ”Why don’t you tell us about your war? All of us have heard of it. That tradition has been abandoned and dragons have fought dragons.”

[Reky]

Those youthful eyes fell on her weyrmate with love. To her, her relationship with K'enti was far more than purely professional. To her, he was amazing. He was the love of her hectic, busy Weyrwoman life, the father of her children, so on and so forth, and he was amazing. It was good to have him with her in this. Granted, she could probably hold her own fairly well, but having backup in such an important meeting was very welcome.

She grinned a grin to match her Weyrleader's as he introduced her. Somehow, despite her weariness (being mother to teenagers and Weyrwoman at the same time was stressful), she still remained cheerful and radiant. She grabbed his hand, squeezing it in good humor. Then, she leaned over and commented, "She's getting huge. Again!" She eyed Nancee. "Good for her." Then, she released K'enti's hand and leaned back in her chair, putting attention to the meeting at hand. Outside, Larascath nuzzled her bronze, though she was putting effort into listening in on what Hers was dealing with.

Fajra stood, and Issole watched. Words caught in her throat, trying to sift through them and come out with a good suggestion, but A'res of Igen beat her to the punch. She nodded in solemn agreement. Yes... Yes. That was what was on everyone's mind, no doubt.

---

"Lury, Jr. Weyrwoman of Fort Weyr," she introduced herself, before sitting down. She was still waiting for her Weyrwoman and Weyrleader, but they would come soon enough. Even if they hadn't arrived, though, she was confident enough to represent Fort. She had the drive. She had the personality. She had the air about her and the posture. She folded her hands in her lap, keeping her elbows off the table politely, back straight, and she waited.

---

K'rid smiled at his Weyrwoman as she walked in, and after she'd introduced herself, he added, "And K'rid of Bronze Orisinth. Weyrleader." She was new to the whole business, and because of that, he felt sympathetic. Being in charge was difficult to get used to. He wasn't quite as new to the position as she was, but he remembered the stress. Orisinth, the impressive beast he was, had flown the previous Queen twice before, and he was well used to being Weyrleader. He and his earlier Weyrwoman had never been more than a professional pair, and he had a suspicion he and Mina wouldn't be much better, but secretly he adored her. She had something about her that clicked with him. Somehow. Still, he didn't have much hope.

He was getting impatient. People were filing in a little too slow for his liking. He drummed his fingers on the table still. Then, Fajra spoke, and he leapt at the opportunity to speak as well. However, he was a little late, but at least Weyrleader Igen had snatched the words out of his mouth. He made a grunt of agreement.

[/blockquote]

[fidelli]

Kacee threw herself over the big bulky sandy Brown, absentmindedly rubbing one of the mahogany stripes that ran down his shoulders and wrapped around his belly like a feline. She was chomping on her lower lip, careful around the swollen part that was her personal reminder not to get in fights with drunk riders. For a Wingsecond to the Weyrleader's Wing, she still tended to behave rashly at times... But this time it was not her fault that she had been hit. She had been breaking up the fight, and for once could stand smugly infront of her Weyrleader and not be yelled at. But that was a different story. Helksinth, one of the bigger Brown's at Benden, rumbled underneath her.

Hush Mine. What is done has been done, and there is nothing else you can say. She had heard all of the story that her Weyrleader's had known, and a part of her had cried that night. Dragon's fighting dragon's... It just wasn't done. She was not one for tradition - please, she rode a Brown - but this... This scared her, and when Kacee grew scared she grew angry and rude. It was why she had Sinth to balance her out, to calm her down with his steady and slow rumbled voice. As the pair came between to Dalibor Weyr, she let him land and slipped off, kissing the tip of the pale brown nose he offered to her. It is alright. The Weyrleaders will fix this. She nodded, and tried to believe him, stripping off the flight helmet from shoulder length dirty blond hair. Blue eyes scanned the room as she took place behind her Weyrleader, touching his shoulder lightly and then dropping her hand.

She was a stocky girl, tall at five nine, and with muscles defined from her life. Her hands were scarred, and her slightly clefted chin was held high in the air, standing with military precision behind the man she followed in between and back. "Wingsecond Kacee of Brown Helksinth, from Benden." Her voice was clear, and she didn't look down to K'enti as he teased Nancee of Telgar. She was there to protect, and she was going to do her duty. She desperately loved her Weyrleader, although she kept that her best secret. No one knew, she made sure her actions did not reflect it - but she loved him, had always loved him, and to see him smile so softly at her Weyrwoman made her heart hurt. Sinth, reclining against the ledge below his Queen, soothed her, and she latched onto that love gratefully.

----

K'lsran was next in, before the speeches began, and he arrived with style. Iron Xarmith was a rusty greenish color on some parts of his body, the dragon bigger than the Bronze's there and uncaring. He was a trickster, just as much as a Purple, and K'lsran was never sure why he was born with the rusty colors that marked him clearly as an Iron. This will be funnnnn~ The Weyrleader shook his head, laughing at the dragon as they betweened. And why do you say that, love? Because! We will get to talk to the other dragons, and the other Weyrleaders, and learn.

K'lsran, as he dismounted and let the devoted Xarmith fly off to cuddle protectively around his Gold, was not entering this with the same enthusiasm. First, Nacee, his beloved Weyrmate, was heavy with their sixth child - she shouldn't be there. Second, that idiot K'enti was also going to be there, and K'lsran thought he saw enough of him, especially when he was spoiling the five. Even as he entered, K'enti was settling HIS lady in her chair, and he wanted to growl. He didn't care if they were brother and sister in mind - he loved Nancee and was a jealous bastard at times. His quick stride took him behind her, hands going on her shoulders and lips going down to touch the corner of her own. He didn't get to see much of her at the moment - with her pregnancy, he was taking over - albeit quietly - some of the things he could. Anything that made her work less, in his mind. He settled into the seat next to her, smiling softly over at her and touching her stomach lightly.

But, as he turned to the Weyrwoman Fajra, his face hardened into what was K'lsran's normal look. Hazel eyes iced over, long face settled in, one eyebrow slightly lifted. "Telgar's Weyrleader K'lsran of Iron Xarmith and Weyrmate to Weyrwoman Nancee." There was no point of putting that in there except for the male testosterone, but he rested easier when he did anyway. Quick eyes found G'ren, and he nodded to him as well, but he was more focused on this meeting and the protection of Nancee.

-----

The latecomer, the last of them, was Roha of Fort Weyr. Ezelth arrived noisily, screaming her fury and spinning above in the air for a few moments before settling down on the ledge hard and nearly throwing the woman off of her back before hissing at Her's and taking off again, settling in on the rim of the Weyr and rustling her wings restlessly. She sent to tip of the hat to Kalith, but she was more distracted with reaching back home, Roha was a tall woman, standing at five ten, with long raven black hair set in a thick braid down her back. She was dressed for heat, neatly in her Weyr's colors, but her boot's were thick, and it was obvious by the small circles under her eyes that she had just been on the Sands. It was why she and Ezelth had been fighting - the Queen was against leaving her Clutch, and Roha had insisted. Now, the Queen was very irritated, and the other three Junior Weyrwoman were guarding the clutch against anything...

Not that anything would happen to Ezelth's clutch, but the very pale Gold was not taking chances. She was usually a calm Gold, but being forced to leave her newly laid young and the Gold egg was trying her patience, especially because she was NOT happy with the reason. Dragons fighting dragons is against EVERYTHING. If Kalith's is housing them, Dalibor are wrong. And that was the Queen's stance, and nothing else would be said on that subject. Roha agreed, but she had more to worry about, striding in with quick footsteps. Gray touched the dark hair, but she was still strong, running the Weyr basically by herself.

She was a woman who believed very highly in love, but the man that her dragon picked time after time tended to sleep around and have not emotional attachment to her whatsoever. She desperately wanted to love him, and the older woman deserved that - but Roha tended to be cold and clear, a woman cut clearly from the mold of Weyrwoman's who dedicated themselves wholly into the growth of their home. She didn't know how, didn't even know where to begin with the start of loving someone, so she threw herself into her Weyr. She strode in, stopping with a click of heels together and a short bow. "My apologies - Ezelth has recently laid, and she was not willing to leave her clutch. Roha, Fort Weyr, Senior Weyrwoman." The gold also wouldn't let Her's on the back of any other, so therefore their lateness. She settled next to her Weyrleader and Junior Weyrwoman, hand subconsciously touching her stomach as she saw Nancee. Ezelth had informed her recently that she was going to have a baby...

And she still didn't know what she was going to do. She wanted desperately to keep one, and with Fort running strong she thought she could... Still, she betweened here, and that worried her. It took several tries, most of the time, and she had yet to tell the man's who's it was... She shook these thoughts away and dropped her hand to fold primly in her lap, amber eyes watching the Weyrwoman and allowing the conversation to catch her up. Apparently the first object of business was the War - good. It was why she was here, after all, and Ezelth was getting antsy. She would probably Between at least three times in this meeting, if not more, and Roha could only hope she stayed for some time.

[Lan]

'Why don’t you tell us about your war? All of us have heard of it. That tradition has been abandoned and dragons have fought dragons.'

Mina and Mirith instantly pricked their attention to the speaker, and Mina felt her weyrmate also give a start at her side. He would have liked to speak first, she knew. It was some male ego thing, she was sure. However, Igen had spoken how everyone was feeling. And it had been spoken with at least a decent amount of eloquence, despite it being in a bit of a harsh tone. Harshness was not what was needed here... not yet, anyway. It was a delicate subject, and until Dalibor's sentiments were known, it would be unwise to jump to assumptions and conclusions. She looked to Dalibor for an answer, occasionally glancing at those who had joined the klah party and occasionally looking to her Weyrleader to judge his humor.

'These latecomers are not very polite. But better late than never, I suppose.' Mirith said, still listening in. 'And the side conversations are not appreciated. They should just let Dalibor answer.' While gentle and calm, the gold still had the impatience that went along with her rank and power. She had expectations of the morals and integrity of those around her... especially those who were supposed to be in as high of positions. Mina responded in agreement. She often agreed with her dragon. She was like another part of her own mind.

'Indeed, love... but we need our wits about us. Check in on Orisinth and see if he is okay.' While Mina was not particularly fond of her weyrmate, Mirith had taken a great fancy to Orisinth. The gold dragon was very close to the bronze that had flown her and she desired no other bronze in the entire weyr to ever catch her again. 'But don't stop listening... I need your opinion.' Mina was tolerant of her dragon's affections for the dragon that had caught her, but she still wished to hold the majority of Mirith's heart and time. This, she knew, was only natural, but she still liked having Mirith present in her mind at all times. It was a comfort... and a great companionship. Plus, Mirith's insight proved useful many a time before. 'I am always with you.' Was the golden queen's reply.

Mirith jumped off her ledge and winged carefully to settle next to her beloved weyrmate. She hummed affectionately, nudging Orisinth gently with her large head before settling back into Her Own's mind and staring blankly out over the Dalibor Bowl. It was warmer here, but only slightly. And, quite frankly, she preferred being able to look out over the mountains. The sea and the flatness of the Western Continent was unsettling. 'I hope this does not last long. I desire to be in the mountains again.' She confided in the great bronze Orisinth.

Mina gave another glance to K'rid again. He would lead most of what they would say. She had decided that her place was mainly that of an observer, but she would feed him notes through Mirith and Orisinth when she found something important. And perhaps she might add in her own opinion through her own tongue, but K'rid was really whose opinion Dalibor had sought when calling the meeting of the Weyrleaders. She was new, her opinion was still worthless in the eyes of the more experienced Weyrleaders. She knew she would be treated with sarcasm and scoffs. But, perhaps now was the time to make her presence known? She was still debating the pros and cons.

[lesa]

It was with supreme control that Nancee stopped herself from up and slugging her mate. A couple of things made her hormone-fueled emotions skyrocket, and not in a happy way. This birth it seemed at least two of the triggers were unexpected kisses. And K'lsran getting jealously protective. But the latter wasn't just from hormone-fueled emotions. That was a general state of exasperation she was in about him. For Faranth's sake, Xar caught Yiki every time she Rose, starting with her maiden Flight twelve Turns ago! They had five and growing children together! To top it off, she loved the idiot. But really, he was being an idiot.

Quick application of nails to his right thigh told him this subtly. The sting was immediately soothed by with a few short rubbing strokes of her palm, but she knew she'd gotten the message across. She was a Weyrwoman, fully capable in her own right, and even if she couldn't move as fast while pregnant, that did not mean she couldn't take care of herself. Honestly, with a Guard father, self defense and weapons work was required! A brisk mental shake from Yikinath brought her attention back to the discussion at hand. Right, the War.

Nasty thing. Nasty, crazy thing. Dragon against dragon should not have happened. The woman inwardly groaned at A'res' comment. That wasn't bound to help anything. She spoke up, infusing her voice with the same tone used against Kanan and Neeran - a no nonsense, brisk but caring tone. After all, angry Weyrleaders were prone to reacting much like angry eleven and nine Turn old boys. Just with a bit more violence, in the end. "I do believe, and forgive me if I'm wrong, but all of us here know at least the basics of what occurred, yes? Then rather than taking up our time and taxing Fajra, O'sho and... Avalle with having to recall it all, we should see to planning how to prevent it from happening again." There. She'd said her piece, now to hold back her mate from jumping down the throat of any that might find her idea unsatisfactory.

--

K'enti nodded in agreement, Nancee was rather huge. Hoped they were going to stop some time soon, or they'd find a herb-mix that worked to keep her from getting pregnant or something. Six was a lot even for a holdwoman, let alone a Weyrwoman! But his 'sister' just wouldn't between them. Loved life too much for that.
The bronzerider turned to smile in at his brown Wingsecond. She was a good lass, Kacee was. Pretty too, not that he would do anything - he was Issole's through and through, till death or Larascath got caught by another. That was highly unlikely, but he still thought about it sometimes. It would leave him at loose ends, should it happen. At least losing his Leadership through Flight would be less of a blow than death. Flight meant it was down to the dragon that Larascath wanted in her lust, and that they could try again. Nigh-twenty Turns of catching did suggest that such a thing was very slim.

Issole and Larascath dying, that would sharding near kill him. He marshaled his thoughts back together to the situation at hand in time to hear Nancee's words. Yep, that was his 'sister' through and through. Practical and don't dwell on the past. He said nothing, ready to come to her defense if needed, but unwilling to get himself glared at. He would get glared at by her mate because the Ironrider was just a possessive creature. He would get glared at by Nancee for 'not believing I can do it by myself' was how she had phrased it to him once. So he sat back and watched the show for the moment. The time would come to speak. Just not yet.

[Admin]

Losing my patience,
Getting acquainted with the edge,
Ready and waiting,
Happy to stand convicted.

Fajra ignored the interplay of all the Weyrleaders. Thrown together in a room, they were like a fair of squabbling, emotional firelizards. She had no interest in paying attention to the subtleties that every single one of them was feeding and giving off. She knew that even she was encouraging some of it. Politics. All of it was politics, even the personal aspects. She looked back at A'res, regarding him coolly and carefully for his question. Her eyes remained on him for another moment when Nancee spoke. Then she turned to address the whole group. "It isn't going to happen again. Not in this lifetime. The situation is handled, and those responsible are being handled under Weyr law;" she said, speaking with a cold vehemence. The renegades were her responsibility. The meeting was to show she knew they had concerns, not to let them interfere.

Lili was still grinning away, but her expression had sharpened. She didn't know Fajra, but she knew that her Weyrleaders thought highly of the copperrider that they had trained. P'pin remained unreadable. It was Deria who finally stepped up, after carefully listening to the exchange. "Perhaps you might all wish to recall that none of the renegades were from Dalibor when they deserted. They only became Dalibor's problem when they chose to come to the Western Continent;" she said, voice calm and reasonable. It was flowing and prompting, the sort of voice that made one think of their mother and about being honest. While not quite as old as some of the other Weyrwomen present, she had plenty of experience under her belt, hidden by her reasonably youthful face. She looked from one Weyrwoman and Weyrleader to the next.

Hold me responsible,
It's all my fault, I want,
You to hold me any way you can,
Hold me accountable.

[Kila]

O’sho was unimpressed by the tense babble that went on throughout the cavern. Both he and Fajra had known that putting all the Weyrleaders together in one room would be an ordeal. Compared to what it could be, however, things were relatively calm. Many of those assembled were upset by what had happened, but no one had accused them yet. He put his hand on the table close to Fajra when the Weyrleader of Igen spoke.

The IronRider in question cut his eyes sharply at Nancee when she spoke. Both his Weyrwoman and his lifemate urged him wordlessly to remain silent. Semele’s hand moved and found his and she laced her fingers through his. A’res clearly did not agree with what the other women had said. He wanted to talk about it. He wanted to hear explanations and details. That was why they’d come, wasn’t it? The Dalibor Weyrleaders had no right to sweep this under the rug- it was all of their problems.

Fajra, however, was not interested in providing details. A’res held her gaze when she stared at him from across the table and then spoke coldly. The sharp words at the tip of his tongue were quelled when Semele spoke in reply. ”Very true, Deria,” she said softly, but loud enough to be heard. ”Tell me, if you would, though, what precautions you have taken with these remaining renegades to be sure that they will not take leave and have free reign in Pern again?” she requested politely and with far more mutual respect than her Weyrmate had.

”We understand your need to be reassured,” O’sho finally spoke. His warm, understanding voice was in stark contrast to Fajra’s moments earlier. ”The situation is, as Fajra said, handled and under control. The renegades that remained after the conflict all surrendered of their own will to stay here in Dalibor. They are under constant surveillance and must abide under several restrictions. We assume full responsibility for them.” Though friendly and agreeable, O’sho’s explanation also made clear that the renegades were under the protection of Dalibor.

[Reky]

Sr. Weyrwoman Issole simply nodded. Good, good. It was all under control, and like Fajra, she seriously doubted it would happen again. Dragon fighting dragon was one of the worst things her imagination could conjure up. The renegades were crazy to have tried it. The chance of anyone else having enough screws loose to do it? Extremely small. Sure, perhaps there were other people with their mind on rebelling, but their confidence would have been severely lessened with the renegades' defeat.

---

It was very reassuring, despite her utmost self confidence, to have her Senior Weyrwoman finally appear. Lury, for all the tough grit and importance she seemed to be made of, had little to say. After all, in the grand scheme of things, it wasn't really her opinion anyone wanted. It was the Senior Weyrwomen and Weyrleaders, not the Juniors. She figured she was mostly here for show, but she'd do a good job of it. Still looking strong and involved in the conversation, she sat straight. She'd put a good image to Fort's name.

---

K'rid leaned back in his chair, lazily, eyes skimming around the table. His jaw jutted slightly. Obviously he wasn't all too impressed. He leaned forward, then, elbows on the table, eyes fixing from on Weyr representative to another.

"Obviously, Dalibor's doing their job. The renegades are being taken care of, watched, et cetera," he said. "They aren't a problem. There's... what? Six of them? It's not a big problem, not anymore. Can we move on?" He'd admit he was an impatient person. He wanted to get to the more important, political sort of things. The renegades thing was over. Sure, it was a bit of scare, a bit of a shock, but it was over. There was the future to take care of, now.

[/blockquote]

[purnip]

So far, Kait was remaining almost as a designated listener. She sat neatly with her arms kept to herself, soft gaze shifting from one person to the next depending on who spoke. Altorith was of course, displeased with her rider's silence with such a hot topic on the table about ready to slide off. She had several choice opinions on her own of what she thought of this battle and how it was handled. Outside her eyes flashed red in irritation as she relayed her own speculations to the Weyrwoman of Southern.

What sort of solution is this? A slap on the wrist? Constant surveillance? A hope that they would not abandon the weyr and go back to their old ways? They should be dealt with differently! I do not care how, but I do not think simply showing mercy and keeping track of them like wherries in a pen will resolve the issue! A proud creature like Altorith did not relay the message to anyone else but Kait, yet her manner on the ledge was so ruffled that the other Queens and Kings were likely to have seen the disapproval in her body language.

Back the the meeting room, Kait delicately raised her hand, wishing to speak but only interrupting as politely as she possibly could. "If I may ask, before the matter of closing the subject is voted upon, will these former renegades be counseled? I believe it is in everyone's best interests to get to the root of their former anxieties and understand what caused them to become deserters in the first place. It would aid in understanding the problems that cause riders to leave in the first place."

Though from a fairly conservative weyr, Kait was a pacifist in every sense of the word. Altorith was her strength. The Gold Queen of Southern was neutral about her rider's suggestion, but grateful that she spoke up at all. The word of Southern Weyr must be heard.

[theknightwhosaysni]

At his Weyrwoman, Imala's appearance, K'ren gave a small smile. He enjoyed her company, though he wasn't sure he'd go so far as to call it love.

Frikieth, however, was beyond infatuated with Malicith. They worked very well together, and he loved his Copper Queen with every part of his heart that wasn't dedicated to himself.

K'ren rolled his eyes, Oh, I'm going to shame you, am I? He snorted to himself, but than Fajra began to speak. The introductions were over, and now was the time to observe. He wasn't really in the mood to speak. Yes, observing was fine and dandy, and besides, his opinions seemed to be well enough represented in the loud voices that shouted around him.

Frikieth didn't deign to reply to his rider, instead he just crooned a greeting in Malicith's direction, destroying his haughty outer appearance in an instant.

"The situation's handled?" he whispered scathingly Imala. "They have the renegades sitting around in their weyr and they claim that it's handled?" K'ren wasn't very outspoken about his annoyance, though.

Still, this was utterly insane and crazy. How could they think that the problem was handled? They had a ticking time bomb on their hands, and K'ren didn't intend to be here when the situation blew up.

-

G'ren wasn't much of a fan of all this talk and no action. He just wanted to see what the other folks decided, then get the heck out of here. Not the most patient man in the world, G'ren was already getting bored. He wasn't in the mood for this. Things should be happening!

"And these renegades, they are going to be fully accepted as part of Dalibor? They will not be forced to return to their old Weyrs?" speaking up at last, G'ren chose to direct his words towards Fajra instead of O'sho, despite the fact that O'sho seemed more welcoming.

He just wanted some fun, and all of this political stuff wasn't fun. Not one tiny bit.

[Admin]

There'll be girls across the nation,
That will eat this up, babe,
I know that it's your soul
But could you bottle it up.

Listening, Fajra stored their questions. She didn't jump the gun on answering. Control meant she waited. Control meant she carefully thought out the words that would kill all their fury and claims. "We believe they may be happier here than at their old Weyrs. That is our counsel to them. That is our assurance that they will stay." Her voice made it clear her feelings for the renegades. They got no love from her, but she made ever action to treat them fairly, under the truest convictions of Weyr law. "There are six of them. Now." The last word was said heavily and her eyes slipped over the crowd to make sure they understood the meaning immediately. "Varya of orange Alizadehth and D'ror of brown Abeneth are dead. They have no leaders now. No misbegotten cause. In the battle, they lost three. We lost four." The slightest hint of pain passed through her eyes, like a flare as it briefly showed itself above the cool control and the faint passion, accenting the darkness from lack of sleep on her lids. It didn't diminish her, not with the strength of her posture, and it didn't last long. "They have paid a price as it is. Lessons learned blood do not desert the mind with ease."

Deria inclined her head at the mention of losses, dropping her eyes in a respectful though hardly subservient manner. The flowing way she carried herself always came off as too maternal, too internally strong, to seem lowly. Lili quieted, actually sobering for a moment. P'pin kept his eyes up, but also ducked his head slightly. He glanced at A'res, the look telling nothing, simply a look. When Deria raised her head though, she looked more amused than too sad, the moment of quick mourning and respect on her part passed. She didn't mind an interesting show, and she knew that something plenty interesting might happen if A'res tried to take on Fajra. She glanced at Lili, who fed off her amusement, sharpening and rebounding, once again full of energy. She had to quell the idea to perhaps remind those in attendance that Fajra had killed D'ror. It would only cause trouble. With a gracious smile, she instead made herself useful, as she generally did as a Weyrwoman. "Now, must we really vote on this, or can we simply see if there might be any other issues have? Perhaps we can even go home!" She kept her voice uplifting but not overly cheerful. Appropriate.

Except soon as you start,
To make room for the parts,
That aren't you it gets,
Harder to bloom in a garden.

[fidelli]

Roha chose to be silent, on everything that was happening. She would, until she found a chance to bother to open her mouth. She didn't agree with way that Dalibor was handling it - in her opinion, they should be separated from their dragons and forced to spend the rest of their miserable lives separated from something so amazing. Dragons were a gift, not something to be used in the merciless way that the Weyrleaders had stated. To have dragons kill… But she knew to bide her time. She was an older woman, one of the oldest Weyrwomen present, and she had not stayed Senior that long by fooling around. She was patient – for now, Dalibor would be allowed to cover it. It was after all, their dead, and it may be a way of closer for some of those who had lost some close to them.

She still, however, did like it, and Ezelth growled. I do not like this. The dragons who followed were foolish – I would love to sink my own claws into them. Foolish Hatchlings. Roha smiled softly on the inside and soothed her pale gold. Yes my dearheart… But you want to sink your claws into everyone right now. The Gold made no disagreement – in fact, she only snorted and sent Roha’s little Orange flitter back to check on her eggs for the seventeenth time.

It was now that the world changed for Roha, and she became so much more involved with the meeting. ‘We believe they may be happier here than at their old Weyrs. That is our counsel to them. That is our assurance that they will stay. There are six of them. Now.’ Roha lowered her eyelids, but made no motion to argue – she didn’t care for the fact that they were happy, but it was not her choice at this moment… ‘Varya of orange Alizadehth and D'ror of brown Abeneth are dead. They have no leaders now. No misbegotten cause. In the battle, they lost three. We lost four. They have paid a price as it is. Lessons learned blood do not desert the mind with ease.’

Roha froze. Everything about her became stone, and the older woman could feel her heart began to slow as everything in the room sharpened. The Weyrwoman smiling and speaking meant nothing to her – she was thinking furiously. D’ror of Brown Abeneth? Ezelth? The Golden Queen was not foolish, and could faintly remember – with Roha’s help she did. Abeneth betweened, Mine. I keened for them. They Betweened because… Ezelth could not quite remember, but Roha did. Her mind was old, but sharp. “D’ROR.” She rose suddenly, eyes snapping to Fajra. “You are certain of the name, Weyrwoman Fajra.” It wasn’t a question. Not one of her’s. No, not one of her’s. He had been dead. “He died. He was one of mine – no one from Fort would have done this.” She was snapping angry now, dark eyes flashing, short chestnut hair flying as she confronted the Weyrwoman in her fury.

“My first Weyrmate, Ironrider of N’car – his Wingsecond was D’ror of Brown Abeneth. D’ror was a loyal man who served me well – he was often a confident of mine at times.” Ezelth had risen now, tail lashing as she focused on Her’s. He had had a Weyrmate… Alari of Green Trageth. She had given birth to their daughter, but the Weyrmate had gotten sick and died, and the girl… Ezelth’s hatchling had mauled the girl and she died a few sevendays later from infection. D’ror had gone between with Abeneth, due to grief… She had respected him and admired him – Fajra was lying. “Take back the insult to Fort, Dalibor, or by Faranth there will be problems.”

[Kila]

O’sho was not amused by Fort’s outburst. His eyes followed Roha as she leapt to her feet, confusion and anger painted boldly across her features. He had thought this might happen. The Renegades had all come from a Weyr before they had come to the Continent, after all. Who would want to own up to producing such pairs? ”Our words are not meant to be insults, Roha of Fort,” he said in a voice that was calming but firm. ”We have no cause to lie to you or any of those assembled. Fajra, Avalle, and I will speak only the truth to you. D’ror was half the leader of the Renegade faction, and he was very much alive and capable before the events that we have hitherto described. His weyrmate, Varya, was much the same.” O’sho didn’t suppose anyone wanted to lay claim to the Orangerider, and looking around the table he saw several faces that looked as though they might’ve been familiar with the name.

Fiera, appearing, curled around his neck and glared steadfastly at the woman who was bellowing at Hers. Daidoroth was furious that another Weyr would question Dalibor’s integrity. The mighty Bronze showed nothing outwardly to the other Kings and Queens with whom he waited, but O’sho could feel it. They are only words, old friend, he reminded him. ”We would be more than happy to speak to you personally after everyone who wishes to has had a chance to speak and all the issues that are brought to the table have been discussed,” he offered steadfastly. He hoped that this would quell her, considering that they had known each other quite well in the past. ”Now, what else would we like to discuss?” He half expected the belligerent A’res to speak, but the Ironrider had caught P’pin’s look and was seething silently under the caring hand of his Weyrwoman.

[Reky]

Lury kept herself composed as ever, but for a slight glance at her Weyrwoman. Inside, she was squirming at the woman's outburst, but she wasn't stupid enough to oppose her senior. Personally, she thought it was an awful way to react to the whole situation. She had never known D'ror personally. However, surely, if this man had turned renegade...

You should say something, Bradith pushed. Lury agreed.

"Roha," Lury said, her steel eyes on the weyrwoman. Her voice, however, was soft and calming. "Surely, it is better that D'ror was dealt with before he could put too much of a bad name to Fort. It's alright." With that, she quieted up again.

[/blockquote]

[Admin]

We'll make it through another working day,
I need a holiday,
I need a holiday with my friends,
I'm working everyday.

Fajra let O'sho handle Roha. It was for the best, because the Fort Weyrwoman tried her patience. She actually wanted to snap and say something nasty, which would do no good. Despite the seething rage within her, a hint to the passion she actually had, her expression remained controlled and cool. Deria was watching her little prodigy with vague interested, but she was also trying to keep an eye on the Dalibor Weyrleader as he handled the situation. O'sho had come from Fort, had he not, before moving to Dalibor with Paaie and D'bor? Odd that Fort could not find some pride for the bronzerider that was doing them more good than their own Weyrwoman. Deria hid a snort when their junior spoke, and P'pin took her hand under the table. Beside them, Lili sat tensely. Her posture mimicked Kalith's on the rim. They call us liars! She hissed the words Daidoroth in a private manner.

When O'sho asked for any further discussions, Fajra decided to take a different tact, a more aggressive one. She still chose her words carefully, but she moved swiftly while speaking in an oddly sedate manner for her. Most of the others wouldn't suspect too much, she hoped, though she knew Deria and P'pin would notice. She ignored their looks as she spoke. "Perhaps we might discuss Dalibor's wings? The renegades' children will be moving into them in a few months, and there have been recent changes in connection to this." She phrased it in the nicest possible way, but she made sure the meaning was clear. The ordeal of the losses range out again, though less through her face and body as she kept her control. "O'ris, rider of cyan Rhyolith, was moved up as a wingsecond." Waiting, she dropped that little bit with perfect, effortless timing.

But I need you, yeah, I need you,
Yeah, I need you more than I can say.
Yeah. I need you, yeah, I need you,
Yeah, I need you more than I can say..

[Lan]

The proceeding, in Mina's view, seemed to be going well enough as could be expected, until the Weyrwoman of Fort stood and made her harsh sentiments known. Instinctively Mina's muscles coiled, prepared to stop an attack if need be. On the ledge, Mirith stood as well with a wary eye on Elzeth. The tip of her tail twitched subtly, the only indication that she, like her rider, was prepared to pounce and handle a possible situation. Both Weyrwoman and Queen combined in tact and mind, not moving until everything was certain to flare up. Both hoped, and knew, it would probably settle on its own, but both were also cautious and careful in all they did.

The Weyrleader of Dalibor spoke next, words meant to comfort and console. While his gentle voice might make the room feel better, Mina doubted it would settle Roha's temper any. But he and the Weyrwoman of Dalibor spoke the truth, she had no doubt of that. And O'sho was polite and accommodating, offering to extend his Weyr's hospitality to the Fort Weyrwoman for longer than the bounds of the meeting. Mina felt he handled it well. It was a fine move, on his part. However, she had a feeling that Roha would continue to be a nuisance throughout the proceedings if her demands were not met quickly. But what was there to do? Deny the truth? Deny what had happened above this very Weyr so recent in time? That was impossible.

Then the Weyrwoman of Dalibor spoke, clearly changing the subject. Mina sighed and hoped this would at least bring some order back to the meeting. Clearly, she thought, she was not an active participant. Was it common for such childish outbursts in the gatherings of the good and the great? She certainly hoped not, yet something told her this occurred far too often than what would be to her liking. She sympathized with Dalibor. They had invited these people into their very home and no one seemed to pay them any respect. She listened carefully to what Dalibor had to say, and at the end she had to consciously keep her jaw from dropping.

'A... cyan rider?' Mina and Mirith echoed each other's sentiments. There had been rumors, sure, that yet another color of dragon had come to Pern. Rumors, too, that they had been a cyan color. But weren't cyans fighting dragons? And female fighting dragons at that? Her brow furrowed and she stared at a patch of the table in front of her, clearly deep in thought. That couldn't be right. From the honorific it was a male rider, sure, but a rider of a female fighter taking a wingsecond position? Were cyans that much bigger than their other fighting cousins? It didn't sit well with Mina. It didn't sit well at all. 'A fighting dragon as a wingsecond? That hardly seems right. They're flighty little things, aren't they? They can barely keep on task, let alone lead anything.' Mirith relayed to Mina, both of their collective minds still processing the information given. 'We must tread carefully,' Mina thought to Her Beloved, 'We are not in our place, and this is dangerous ground.'

'Did you say... cyan?' Mina asked, her voice calm and courteous, but loud enough to be heard over any possible objections. 'If what I've heard for the past turn serves me right, aren't they female fighters?' While it made her look like the newbie she was, Mina hoped it would at least distract the room from previous, more heated topics. She cleared her throat, then continued, 'I'm wondering if such a candidate for wingsecond is really necessary... are there no browns to fill the position?' The question seemed in earnest. If Dalibor was hurting that badly, perhaps High Reaches Weyr could spare them some riders for a time... not that K'rid would be kind to that.

'Pass on to Orisinth that K'rid should play along for the moment... we can't afford to appear divided, nor must there be another hysteria until we get the information we want.' Mina communicated to Mirith. 'It is done.' The golden queen replied, being of the same mind.