Dragon Diplomacy (Mittens, Des?)

[Bacchante]

Black cape... Too solemn. Purple cape... Too pretentious. Red cape... Too warlike. Brown cape... No. Just no. White cape? Yes, that would work. White, meaning peace. Perhaps that one, the healer's garb. Since time immemorial the healers of Skrull had worn white robes embroidered with a red cross. Nobody knew why, save that it was some ancient symbolism with its meaning lost to modern people. Some old superstition about disease, no doubt.

Thus it was that B'ach chose the white cape with the red cross. Indeed, he was fully entitled to wear it: Having completed the training. He liked his to be a tad more ornate than most healers, mostly due to his status as Weyrleader, and so his cross had little flares at the points. It was a minor touch, but immediately distinguished his garb from that of a normal healer.

The symbolism might be lost on those not of his Weyr, but it was important for him. The white signified peace, the cross showed intent to heal. It was a message of reconciliation. To that end, he wore a woven tunic and pants, both long-limbed. The leather belt was black and had a sheath for a dagger in it: Conspicuously empty. His leather riding gloves were not of the Skrull battle-standard variety, they lacked the bone points woven into the ends. Even his riding helm was plain enough, plain and rounded. He had carved it himself from Zenith's leavings.

His behemoth would stay at home on this trip. She was shedding her armour at an alarming rate, so it wasn't exactly safe for her to be out and about. Besides, she seemed inordinately angry at him at the moment. B'ach simply attributed it to the upcoming flight. It was understandable that she'd be frustrated, what with the lack of any suitable partners.

Fenrius, F'ius, Wingleader of Dark Blade and Third on the Council, had volunteered to carry him. The man was older than B'ach, but not so old as to be white. He appeared much older than he was, his hair having naturally greyed some time in his twentieth turn. B'ach had known him since his childhood, and often forgot to address him by his proper name. The older man didn't seem to mind.

Unlike his Weyrleader, F'ius was loaded for bear. He had ordered Lowanth fully fired up, had on his best pair of war-gloves and had a nice, sharp, foot-long knife strapped tight against his spine. Just in case. He would, of course, be staying with his dragon during this trip, but had decided to come armed just in case things turned ugly. B'ach seemed confident it would be fine but as much as he trusted the younger man's judgement, F'ius still bore his own scars from times when caution might have served better than valor.

They met below the Great Gate shortly after the midday meal. B'ach resplendent in his diplomat's garb, F'ius ready to lead a one-man assault on any target that his leader cared to name. Lowanth was note one of the lyrical variety of Shades and was, typical of his breed, possesed of a vast patience and total unflappability. If an Amber had flashed in from Between right at that moment, he wouldn't have even batted an eyelid. Characteristic of his breed, the calcium-based resin that formed his armour had a deep purple hue.

"Now remember, you stay with Lowanth unless I call you. Understand? You have to watch this one." B'ach gestured to the third member of the little party, a very sullen brunette. Her candidacy had been revoked just a couple of days ago and she had just learned that she was to be sent to an entirely different Weyr to serve as a drudge. Understandably, she was upset.

F'ius didn't answer back, just nodded. He was still upset about the whole thing, but had volunteered because of his son's recent shameful behaviour. Mostly he blamed it on himself, for a lack of discipline. A lesser man might have blamed it on his mate, whom spoiled the boy outrageously. In any case, he had wanted to take the entire Dark Blade Wing with them, but had been quite firmly vetoed. B'ach wanted this to be a mission of peace above all.

The dragon took off shortly afterward, achieving a very, very high altitude before going Between. They had studied a map in depth, and pulled the image of Solse from B'ach's mind. They appeared, invisible, high above that Hold for long enough to sight the Weyr and then continue their hop there. Once above, the Shade supressed its natural invisibility and circled several times, bugling to announce its presence, before coming down for a landing in the Weyrbowl.

B'ach slid off, nodding to F'ius. Then, he waited for someone to come and greet him.

[Lyrikitty]

Perhaps it was lucky that a certain Bone was not in the Weyr at the moment, for tension filled the Gold who stood as Queen still, though barely, as the trumpet of the watchdragon announced an unknown visitor in the skies. When the returning sound was not a familiar one, the Gold heaved herself to her paws from her languid position on her ledge, eyes darkly scanning for the intruder. She found it, standing as happy as you pleased in the bowl, and her nostrils flared in irritation. MINE! We have company which is unexpected.

Llaina had been in the Meeting Hall, scouring hides for information about other Weyrs, looking for somewhere she and A'res could go when her time was up. So far, Talune was still looking like the best option. The alarmed and aggitated voice of her Gold burst into her mind so suddenly that the woman jumped slightly, scattering scrolls to the floor. The information she was given was concerning, and Llaina left the hides where they were to hurry to her mate's side. "Have you spoken to the dragon yet?

Daisyth turned her head to Llaina, her displeasure noted by the smears of red and orange which swam through the normal blues of contentment. I have not. We are not expecting any visitors, and I do not like this appearance of strange dragons. They should be lucky if I am kind to them at all. Perhaps they would be better greeted by a more prickly Queen. Dea could surely use some entertainment. The obviously irrate Gold huffed as Llaina shushed her, swinging to her dragon's back and urging the sterile female to glide to the ground. With much grumbling Daisyth oblidged, effortlessly carrying her rider to the grass a few dragonlengths from the outsiders. Drawing herself up proudly, the Gold cast a diminishing look at the trio.

Daisyth, be a dear and let me get down before you start trying to make yourself bigger. Besides, I doubt they come from Black Sands or with ill intent. Do you not recognize that man? Llaina mentally spoke with the dragon, trying to remind her Gold that it was Skrull's Weyrleader they were looking at. With narrowed eyes, the Gold obeyed, crouching and lifting a leg to allow Llaina an easier dismount. The moment Llaina's feet touched grass the Gold was back up, posturing and posing before the intruders. The woman wore simple clothing, nothing so fancy as what B'ach wore. Then again, Llaina was not a fancy woman by any means. A fawn tunic with black threading, and black leggings with soft leather boots of a matching fawn were all she wore, along with the typical beltknife at her hip tied to a loose belt. "Greetings, B'ach. I've been meaning to talk with you." She offered a smile, hoping to offset the hostile Gold. "Daisyth is more wary than she used to be. I fear she sees dangers in even her own shadow when Wygith is not around. Black Sands was not kind to her." The Goldrider forwned at the memory of her sweet Gold made sterile, but shoved away such thoughts. It was a gift beyond compare, in all reality.

"Would you accompany me to the Meeting Hall, and we can talk over a cup of klah? I assume you are here for more than just a quick hello."

[Bacchante]

B'ach calmly observed the approaching dragon. It was mostly likely Daisyth, or at least he hoped as much. He had met her rider before, back at Conclave, and felt she'd be an easy woman to deal with. As the dragon landed, and his suspicions were confirmed, he lifted his right arm both in greeting and to show he was, in fact, unarmed. Even as Llaina spoke to him he made a small motion and Fenrius slid off of his steed, pulling the girl down after him. "Greetings, Llaina and Daisyth. This is F'ius of Shade Lowanth, Wingleader of Dark Blade. He's my 'security detail'."

The tone of B'ach's voice made the other rider roll his eyes. It was easy to tell exactly how unnecessary he felt an escort was on this particular outing. "The girl's name is Kali. I'll explain why she's here in private. In times such as these, we should all avoid the loss of face as much as possible. F'ius, if you would stay with her? I shall go with Llaina." Grudgingly, the silver-haired rider nodded his assent. He couldn't make any open threats without undermining his leader, but if anything happened to B'ach he'd carve his way into the heart of this place with gusto.

As for the man himself, he went with Llaina. On the way he made some small talk, mostly unimportant. "I apologize for F'ius' presence. He was adamant that I would not be allowed to leave without some sort of guard and I respect his opinion too much to disagree. But, I make it clear that he is in no way meant to intimidate you. The purpose of this visit is..." A pause. They weren't quite at the meeting hall yet. "More diplomatic." Was the phrase B'ach settled for.

Once they had arrived and were seated and their refreshments had been asked for, the green-eyed man lost no time. His cloak hung off the back of his chair and alone, in unfamiliar surroundings, he'd lost much of his majesty. For all the size that his posture gave him he was, after all, rather short: Especially for a Weyrleader. Without his normal confidence he seemed small, rather weak and quite haggard. Dark bags were evident beneath his sunken eyes.

"Firstly, Riki sends her regards and thanks to Daisyth. She is doing well in her new surroundings apart from an issue which I will address: Later. Firstly, I'd like you to answer me, if you will, a question most pertinent to recent events. It relates to something I am sure that you are dying to discuss with me." After this profound amount of waffling, B'ach paused for a moment as if to steel himself, or collect his thoughts. "Exactly how much do you know about Lord Holder Rileson's attitudes towards his holdfolk? Quite specifically, his daughter."

[Lyrikitty]

Llaina listened idly to the small talk, not really caring about minor matters since she knew that wasn't why he was here. It was when they arrived in the Meeting Hall and she'd setled into the seat at the head of the long table that she turned full attention to him and honed her interest.

Daisyth remained outside, taking up a stubborn watch over the dragon in her Weyr. She may recall the massive Queen of Skrull that she'd seen in New Cove, but that didn't mean she was going to be lax. Bad things were lurking in this world, and Black Sands was crafty.

Llaina frowned at B'ach's question. Daisyth knew much more of the girl than her rider did, for Llaina had occasionally questioned her Queen about the peculiar interest the Gold had taken in the Hold girl, but she hadn't pressed the matter. Llaina figured if Daisyth had her peculiarities, there was no harm in it. She was silent as she mentally asked Daisyth about the girl. Daisyth's attention snapped away from the dragon before her, her lips peeling away from her fangs in a low hiss. When she responded, her angry voice was inserted into B'ach's head as well as Llaina's. That man treated his canine better than he treated the girl. His holdfolk were well treated, his drudges are well fed and well housed, though they have to endure being in his sleezey presence day in and out. Riki... Riki nearly killed herself many a time because her father felt the need to beat a child for looking like her mother. Should ever he loose his position I would like to visit him. She'd love to pay him a visit, and tear his throat out as well.

Llaina cringed and held up a placating hand. "Daisyth feels very strongly about that particular cause. Do not take her words to heart. Rileson may be hard to swallow, but he hasn't done anything not in his rights as a Holder." She frowned, moving her hand to her temples. She'd spoken with Rileson the other day, and that had produced a headache. Thankfully she was able to see A'res immediately afterward and she had felt much better. She likely wouldn't be granted that pleasure today. A drudge knocked softly, and when bid to enter by Llaina the young man deiscreetly placed a tray with a pitcher of steaming klah, two cups, a small jar of sweetener, and two spoons. Just as discreetly as he had enetered he left. Llaina took a cup and spooned a bit of sweetener into it before filling it with klah, then pushed the tray towards B'ach. Stirring her cup she looked at the liquid before her and sighed. "B'ach, Rileson came to the Weyr not long ago to file a complaint, and he was fully in his rights to do so. You entered his Hold, took his daughter, and assaulted him. He may have deserved what he got but there are laws which apply to everyone, not just most." Her voice was measured and cautious. She didn't want to cause more issue than there already was, but she needed to adress all of this and get it done and over with before things got too bad, or it was prolonged further. "You mentioned something has happened to Riki? She is not hurt, I hope. The girl had been suggested for his Weyr because it was thought Skrull would be safe, and the girl had potential. Llaina had no want to tell her Gold that Riki had befallen ill.

[Bacchante]

"I know. That is why I am here." It was hard to tell whether he was addressing Daisyth or Llaina at that point, though the distant expression he suddenly wore suggested the former. "Riki is fine. Better than fine. Since her escape, she has blossomed quite substantially. No longer does she flinch every time someone says her name, or walk around with her eyes on the ground in case someone decides to beat her for looking up." The not-so-veiled reference to her father came out in an extremely bitter tone. As if the man's actions had somehow hurt him personally.

There was a pause as he considered exactly how much of the incident to mention to them. In the end, he decided to err on the side of vagueness. "There was a brief altercation with two native boys, not Weyrfolk though, over whether or not a foreigner had a right to be in the Weyr. She proved, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that she deserves to be there. Zenith informed me that she made a significant impression upon some of our eggs, and I can all but guarentee that she will Impress." His obvious discomfort made it apparent that there was something being left out, but he moved on nonetheless.

Sighing, B'ach pulled a scroll his inside pocket and unrolled it, sliding it over to Llaina. On it, in his neat, blocky script, was a short list: Two numbers, neither one ungenerous. "A quote for the runners I took, as promised. Hopefully that figure is enough. Immediately below is the amount I intend to pay in reparations to your Weyr, either in marks or goods of equal value. There is also Kali. Her, and another girl, were responsible for instigating the boys against Riki. I offer her up as a replacement drudge, as part of her punishment and my apology. So long as she doesn't go to Solse." The Weyrleader's face took on a distinctly flinty cast, determination etching itself into his gaze.

"Llaina, Daisyth... Make no mistake. I am issue payment that was promised, and to apologize to you for, specifically, undermining your authority over your holds. I am not here to, nor shall I ever, apologize for what I did to Rileson. At no point in time will I ever regret my treatment of him in any way save that I did not cut his throat right then and there. I don't know how things work on the mainland, but where I come from a man who treats any of his people, no matter how few the number, as he treated his daughter..."

B'ach's fists clenched at his sides as he turned away from Llaina, staring at the wall for a time. "I just don't understand it. Fathers are meant to protect their children. To love them. I just don't understand how any father could beat and break his child. But I do know that any one which does, I refuse to count as a member of the same species as I am. Rileson is a rabid dog. For whatever reasons that he is in charge, it would be far better to put him down."

[Lyrikitty]

Llaina listened, somewhat surprised that B'ach had come to make peace with the Weyr. So he knew he'd overstepped his boundaries? Good. that made it at least a little bit easier. However that little ray of hope was crushed. B'ach felt strongly against Rileson, and Llaina couldn't blame him. Despite the legality of beating a child, the morality behind it was wrong.

B'ach was going to have to make a token apology to Rileson, or Llaina was going to have issues right up until the day she left the Weyr for good.

Now THERE was a very tempting thought... Why not just get up, walk out, get on Daisyth and leave. Never come back. Just take off, grab A'res and Wygith, and go wherever the wind blows. How easy that would be... Rather than deal with all the hassle of the Weyr's troubles she could forget it all. She could be rid of the eternal headaches that went hand-in-hand with being Weyrwoman. She kneaded her temples with her eyes closed.

"I'm glad to hear Riki came out of the occurance well. We always had hopes of her Impressing a Queen here, it's good to see tha she'll at the very least find hrself a partner within Skrull. Daisyth will undoubtably be happy about this. As for... The other matters... Kali... If she's as much trouble as you say I don't think it would be wise to have her in the Weyr until she's past the age of Impression. We could put her in Tondrick until she's a little older, and then bring her back here for the rest of her life. She will be kept out of Rileson's grasp that way, but there will be no chance of an accidental Impression." The last thing Llaina wanted was a manipulative, sly child Impressing something like a Magma. It reeked of trouble.

"Everything else seems to be in order, aside from Rileson. I suppose if you refuse to offer him a apology, I could always pay him in marks or supplies. I'm sure he'd be thrilled if I told him his tithe was being reduced for a time." She frowned, obviously not thrilled with this idea. However if that's what it took, she would do it. She'd just have to smooth it over with the Weyr and make it seem like the most logical and reasonable thing for them to do. Idly she wondered how much faith she could handle putting into Skrull, and how far onto a limb she'd crawl to try and give them all the support she could for what was looming in the future.

[Bacchante]

B'ach nearly winced seeing Llaina's obvious concern, but was grateful that she didn't try to push him to apologize. "If you choose to reimburse him, I will do the same to you. As I said, I absolutely refuse to offer any sort of apology to the man personally but I am happy to cover the costs of any problems my indiscretion caused you." There was a long pause as B'ach considered something. "I ask in advance that you forgive me, for I am about to be far more blunt than I would like to be; After which I will be far more devious than I ought to be."

From the other side of his tunic the green-eyed rider withdrew another scroll which he also laid flat on the table, just so that it could sit there for the moment. "I realize my people are archaic, and made different due to the nature of both our Queens and our heritage. Forgive me, then, if I am incorrect in stating that for one to remain Weyrwoman their dragon must continue to clutch. Which, I am sorry, that shortly none of this shall be your responsibility... Or your fault."

For now he left that word hanging there, pointing at the Law the Third upon his scroll. "We have thirteen laws, and perhaps a hundred corollaries which determine the specific restrictions and disciplinary actions around each of these laws. The corollaries for Law the Third are divided initially into violence against children, and violence against adults. The former has somewhat labyrinthine restrictions to allow for proper, but not excessive, discipline." For a moment he paused to let the implications of that sink in, then moved on. "We also have somewhat of a different system regarding our Holds, which is important to understand for you to see my position. I don't wish you to think me obstinate for no good reason."

He tapped his fingers briefly, considering how to explain their ways. B'ach decided to begin with the Weyr. Briefly, he pointed out the major similarity: The riders of the Queen and King dragons are Weyrleader and Weyrwoman, gender-swapped but ultimately identical in principle. This produces a non-hereditary system whereby the strongest candidate rules. Many hundreds of turns ago, it was decided that the Holds should follow this system due to the level of corruption inherent in a hereditary system.

One hold, he said, did not even have a Lord Holder at all but was rather run by the Master Woodsman of the Crafthall there, due to the fact that there were only five to ten families ever permanently in residence. Another had a system of voting, whereby when the previous Lord Holder died all the landowners voted for the next one. In that case, the Lord Holder was essentially just a crop manager in any case. In their final hold, the Lord Holder was required to designate a successor who fulfilled two qualities: They had to be a Master Craftsman, and not a member of his immediate family.

"Which is why we apply our Law to the entirety of our society. This is by no means a commentary upon your system; but, under our Law, Rileson would have been stripped of his rank and Riki taken and given to a couple incapable of conceiving that they might raise and love her as soon as evidence was discovered of his, rather excessive, 'discipline'. But, even though she has become as one of us, his actions occurred in your territory." B'ach seemed quite forlorn at this, obviously wishing he'd had the chance to mete out his own 'discipline'.

"I noted, in the short time I was with him, that he is quite an impulse prone man, however. Nine days from now, we will be holding a Hatching. I am inviting certain people to show goodwill, including yourself and Daisyth. It was also my intention to invite Rileson to come with you. So that I may, of course, make amends for my shocking behaviour. You can tell him it was all your doing, if you so wish." This was definitively the devious portion. The Wraithrider's tone was far too open and honest to be anything but nigh-on blatant lies.

Ah, yes. There was the proverbial razor in the meatroll right there. "If someone breaks the Laws of a Weyr they are visiting, it would be only fair and just that they are tried and punished by those whom they insulted. Why, by violating the trust of both you and your host, it would be considered fully right. Of course, poor Rileson does have such a temper. And the moment Riki impresses, she is of Solse Hold no more, but rather a Rider of Skrull. Which means that any act of violence toward her would be rather against our Law. And our Corollary the Seventh clearly states that in a time of War, violence without cause against a rider is grounds for instant demotion. Nobody to blame, except himself."

And there it was. Laid out perfect, blatant and crystal clear despite all the back-and-forth. Be rid of Rileson, be rid of any need to suck up to him and, not too long afterwards, be free of any possible blame. Certainly it would be easy enough. Of course, just as easy to refuse it but significantly harder to prove exactly what B'ach was advocating. "Just thinking aloud, mind you. It would be such a dreadful shame; but poor Rileson, he's so predictable."

The cloak of misdirection fell for just a moment. Just a moment. "If you'd like to see justice done, pass on my invitation. If you wish to take another route... I will support it. But I would just like you to know that I have seen that particular look in a creature's eyes exactly once before Riki. It was on a dragon. His rider hated him, for not being a Wraith. The fiend was wrathful, and jealous, and he took it out on his dragon. Unfortunately, the creature bore it all the same, but with its partners every thought being one of abject hatred it died inside. Eventually he tried to kill me, take what he thought was his right. Zenith saw inside the mind of his dragon. Saw it was broken, dead within. Beyond help. It was ended quickly. The rider, was not."

The fire that burned in B'ach's eyes did not match his soft tone, his calm sipping of the hot drink that had been placed before him, the sheer intensity that poured from his body like a wave of heat. "And it is my, quite personal, belief that anyone who breaks a person in such a way deserves no more mercy upon himself."

[Lyrikitty]

Llaina pursed her lips and ran a hand through her short hair as she thought over what B'ach had just said. Getting rid of Rileson would be most helpful, but at the same time, would it really be right for her to send the man off to his death? She wasn't sure, and it bothered her. Her responsibility as to protect the Weyr and it's Holds as long as she was Weyrwoman, but did that count for a man who went out of his way to cause trouble? She would need to think about this for some time, despite the growing want for it to happen.

Cautiously she drew a deep breath and exhaled carefully. "Thank you for the offer B'ach. If there is nothing else, I have other business to attend to." This wasn't entirely a lie, but she didn't want to be put in the position he was trying to force her into.

The Hatching couldn't come soon enough, nor could a Gold who'd be able to take her place. "I appreciate the offer and I will think over it, however murder has never been my personal forte. Perhaps you would do better to speak with Diardi, as she rides a Magma. They might be of better use to plotting such things. I will extend an invitation to him, as well as warn him of your laws." She rose and made a subtle gesture for him to do the same, hoping he would and they could be done with this event.

Daisyth may approve of Rileson being killed, but Llaina was not thrilled with the idea. Granted he was a hassle she'd rather not have, but did that really justify her to decide if he sould live or die? She thought not.

[Bacchante]

Urk. That hadn't gone so well. Every time B'ach tried to be cunning he forgot that people didn't know everything he did. Forcing his smile to remain, his stance even, he finished the drink. It wasn't half bad, actually. There was no acknowledgement of Llaina's statement, as if he was pretending the whole conversation had never happened. "Thank you for your hospitality. I shall send a Ghost by later this evening with your items." The Wraithrider stood, bowed to the Weyrwoman and made as if to leave.

As was usual, as if as an afterthought, he paused by the door. "I'd appreciate if you didn't warn him. That's my duty as a host, after all. And, by the by... I've done terrible things in the name of war. Things I will one day be held accountable for, by our laws. We believe life is sacred. Only outright murder begets even consideration of execution. The traditional punishment for fighting is demotion. The traditional punishment for wife or childbeating is... Poetic, to say the least."

B'ach turned his head back, green fire shining in the one visible orb. The strength of his half-stare was almost draconic. "Let him be returned to his Hold in shame, a mere peasant. Let him toil for the rest of his days to earn his keep and see how far the memories of those he oppressed runs. And let him look, every day, at the stump where his right hand used to be and regret the violence he spent upon the innocent..."

Law the Third, Corollary the Fourth: Your wife and children are yours alone. In you is the duty to protect, to nurture and to discipline.

Law the Third, Corollary the Fifth: Your spouse and spawn are not outlets for your rage. To raise a hand against them, is to forfeit the right to ever raise it again.

... Thus is the Law, as I have spoken it." It was impossible to decipher the look in B'ach's eye at that point. He walked out without a further word, out of the room, out of the corridors, out to F'ius and Lowanth. Kali was left there, her hands still tied together, to glare and brood. She didn't move, even when the dragon took to the skies, but simply stood and waited for someone to come and give her orders. The Weyrleader vanished into the iciness of Between, leaving Llaina to ponder what justice should truly mean in this case.