Stay A While [A'zael/Rachel]

[Zen]

One Week Before Break In The Storm

A'zael :: Bronze Fath

A'zael had thought about the idea Lord Divano put to him quite a lot since their lengthy conversation. The thought of no longer being cut off was so foreign, but if the Southern Holds could help them achieve that, then he'd be a fool not to try. It still surprised him that Divano cared that much, and he realized it was not really out of sympathy for Mavros that he proposed the plan, but only to ensure his son's future. The devotion the man had to his family was... intense. He half wondered if the man would try to fly Novarel's dragon into Thread for him too, should the boy Impress.

Finally, he'd brought the idea up to B'rax and X'ar, because he certainly was not going to be able to do this on his own. It seemed a decent plan to both of them, which was a relief, because the political nature of it all left A'zael feeling a bit in over his head and unsure. So then it was taken to the Holder Council to put it to the population of voting in a Lord Holder. That had been no short conversation either, but at the end of it the Council seemed onboard with at least putting the idea to a vote. Whether anything would come of it was another thing entirely. B'rax promised Alinara's help on that matter. His weyrmate visited the holder caverns often enough on healer business, she could easily spread the word and talk it up for the good idea it was.

All that had been discussed with the Council was information pertaining to the election of a Lord Holder, that it would bring the Southern Holds to their side and that it might very well lead to acceptance by the other Weyrs, the end of their isolated existence and the hardships they had so far faced alone. A'zael hardly wanted the rest of his conversation with Divano getting around the Weyrhold, and then inevitably beyond it. With that set in motion, he wasn't sure what next step should be taken, as it would be better to wait to set up meetings with the Lords until they knew the results of the holder vote. B'rax suggested talking to the Searchriders, who would have a better idea as to Mavros's reputation in the Holds, and might have other insights as well. Not for the first time A'zael wondered how he would have ever managed without the older bronzerider. He always seemed to have an answer for everything.

The Searchriders were away more often than not these days, however. After suffering three Betweens on hatching day, all of them were putting in more time trying to get candidates back to the Weyrhold, especially with the promise of two golds soon to rise, two clutches to cover. Their Flights might be six months away, but it was hard enough for Mavros to get candidates without waiting until the last minute. If they wanted to have any hope of covering Danovelith's and Sularenth's clutches, they needed all the time they had available to them. So A'zael had alerted the watchdragon that any Searcher coming in should report to him before they headed back out, as it would be easier to catch them that way.

He'd already spoken with Kenessia. He nearly congratulated her on bringing Divano's son to Mavros, because without that fortunate Search this plan would not be happening at all. But he kept it to himself for now, asking her several questions on her experiences in the Southern Holds, where she had been most successful, and what she had heard both of Mavros and the local Weyr going around in the various communities she had visited recently. She had seemed a bit suspicious, because he'd never asked her such things before. With a sheepish grin he told her he was just trying to be more informed, to which she hmm'd and gave him a disbelieving look before he thanked her for all her hard work and sent her on her way, teasing that he wouldn't keep her from R'zon any longer. Her poor weyrmate saw little enough of her as it was.

When the watchdragon informed him that Rachel and Aslith had returned and had been informed of his message, A'zael was in the middle of the lengthy process of oiling Fath. He paused, wiping the back of his hand over his forehead, Fath, say hi to Aslith and ask him when Rachel plans to come see me. Fath raised his head from where it had been laying as he contentedly enjoyed his oiling, Hellohello Aslith! Mine wantstoknowhen Yours iscomingtovisit. He turned a whirling eye to his rider, who had yet to continue oiling him, and reached out to prod him with his nose, which sent him stumbling back to keep from falling over, Itoldhim, youcankeepoilingnow. A'zael laughed, Demanding beast. I was also hoping for an answer. But he continued with the oiling while he waited.

Alyx

[Alyx]

Rachel and Blue Aslith

Rachel had not so delicately blown off the message from the watchdragon when they’d appeared over Mavros’s expanse. Mostly because the last thing she wanted was to talk to anyone; behind her, a young fisher boy who was probably started instantly reconsidering his excitement at being Searched the moment they’d darted Between. His fingers were so tight on her belt Rachel expected she would need to pry him free once they hit ground.

<He’ll make a great rider.> ‘Says you, old man.’ Still, she was happy to hand the child off to S’bol at the door to the Candidate barracks. She gave the boy a smile and a ruffle of his dirty blonde hair; the kid’s blue eyes seemed focused on her, needing her to say something – anything. Rachel paused, only a moment. “You’ll do great, okay? If you need me, I’ll be around, promise. Don’t worry; like I told you, Aslith believes in you. Make friends, have fun-“ She paused, poking the young man in the nose. “And take a bath, you smell like a bait bucket.” The boy laughed and blushed, and Rachel cuffed him playfully in the shoulder. “Be brave. Ask questions. Don’t be afraid – S’bol will take good care of you.”

She’d left him in the care of the Candidatemaster, returning to Aslith. She didn’t even bother with the straps, freeriding on the Blue’s back as he took wing and returned to their barely used weyr. It was nice the weyrstaff dusted while they were gone, or the place would looks abandoned, Rachel was convinced. She groaned, dropping back off the Blue’s neck, the impact of her feet on the stone floor feeling like it jarred every tired bone in her body. <Will we be staying tonight?> Rachel leaned back against Aslith’s shoulder, closing her eyes and running a gloved hand over her face. “Can’t say it is not tempting.”

<You need a night of good sleep. And a meal that isn’t travel bread and beast jerky.> ‘I know, I know.’ Rachel stood there a moment more, then pushed off the Blue’s hide. She needed to get him geared down, at least for a bit. Turning, Rachel yanked at the straps to free the packs from the Blue’s sides and let the harness drop to the stone floor. Aslith sighed gently. “Better?” She smiled. <Much.> “Good. Rest for a bit, I’m going to haul these into the room and see if anything in it is still clean.” <Order something to eat? I’m sure the drudges can bring it up to you?>

Rachel waved a hand at the Blue, dragging the packs because she didn’t have the energy to haul them up off the floor. Torc took flight from her shoulder gliding lazily ahead of her to claim the pillow of her much missed bed. Rachel couldn’t say that flopping face down on the furs wasn’t very, very tempting. Maybe a nap… a short one? Aslith brushed her mind. <Fath is asking when you are going to see his rider.> Rachel groaned, closing her eyes. ‘Is never a relevant answer?’ <Probably Not.> Rachel made a sound much like a child about to have a temper tantrum and flopped bonelessly into a chair.

‘What does he want anyway? I mean, I’m trying! Can’t he just leave me alone and let me search? It’s not MY fault this place as a rep like a wherden!! And HE doesn’t help!!’ She knew it wasn’t Aslith’s fault, but she couldn’t help the childish outburst. She frowned, kicking a heel against the ground, and pouted. ‘I don’t want to go talk to him.’ <Would you like me to tell Fath that?> Rachel thought about it. It was very tempting to have Aslith tell the man to bugger off and leave her be. Truthfully, the Blue would if she asked him to… even if it was probably a horrible idea.

<I would word it better. Something like ‘My Lady does not desire to speak with your ruffian of a rider at this moment. Please come calling again at a later date.’> Rachel gave a loud, tired laugh. ‘I’m being a child, aren’t I?’ <I wasn’t going to say it, but now that you bring it up… you could use more sleep before you scream at someone.> ‘Scream at?’ <Or stab. Probably Stab. Repeatedly.> ’Love you too, old man.’ There was a moment, Rachel’s eyes closing as she thought on what to do. She probably started to doze, because she jerked a little awake as Aslith prodded her softly with his voice.

<Sisterlove?> ‘hm?’ <What do I tell Fath?> She sighed, then rolled her shoulders. She smelled like dragon… and sweat. And fish, strangely enough. ‘Tell him that I will be there as soon as I wash up.’ <No food first?> Aslith was sadly resigned. ‘After; get this out of the way, then maybe food and sleep.’ <Maybe?> Aslith didn’t sound amused as she headed to clean up. The Blue rumbled unhappily, then reached for the Bronze. She says she will be there as soon as she washes and changes. He almost wanted to add that they shouldn’t keep her long, but didn’t. <I have told him.> ‘Thank you, Aslith. And stop worrying.’ Aslith shifted around, settling to stretch out on the stone. <If I do not worry, no one will. You surely don’t.>

Rachel gave a shake of her head, and then quickly took the chance to run a wet wash over her face and arms, using her fingers to untangle her hair. Rachel took a moment to change her shirt into something cleaner then the one she had on, the white blouse tossed over her head and just tugged down over her torso before she was heading for the door. <Shall I fly you?> She shook her head softly. ‘No. You rest your wing. Get a nap. I’ll be back soon.’ <Then food? And sleep? And a real bath?> She didn’t answer the Blue, jogging down the hall and making her way toward the Weyrleader’s quarters.

Frowning, she rapped on the door hard, three times, and then pushed it in. He couldn’t be doing anything that he was worried about if he’s prompted Fath to query after her a second time. Rachel tried to look both rested and fine rather than how she really felt, peering into the office first before peeking into the man’s quarters. “A'zael? Where the blazes are you?” Almost as soon as she asked, she saw him. With a smirk, she playfully covered her eyes. “My eyes, Weyrleader. Put a shirt on before you get some idiot feather headed woman in trouble!” Dropping her hand, the bluerider crossed her arms lightly over her chest. "You wanted to see me? What did you do that I need to deny?" She smiled.

Zen

[Zen]

A'zael :: Bronze Fath

As he continued to oil Fath with no answer forthcoming, A'zael started to wonder if Rachel was avoiding him, or if she had just gone straight to bed. He couldn't say he would blame her on either account to be honest. She didn't know exactly why he wanted to see her, after all, and he was aware of how hard she had been working, so she certainly deserved the rest. At last, though, Fath raised his head and turned a whirling eye to his rider, Aslith'siswashingfirst. Ah, well that also made sense. Thanks Fath. The bronze rumbled pleasantly and closed his eyes to return to enjoying his oiling.

He was still working when he heard the knocking at his door. He was just turning to answer it when he heard the footsteps and Rachel came around into the room, calling for him. She stopped when she saw him and covered her eyes and he laughed, “What's wrong? I figured you could use a nice view for all your hard work.” He grinned, but took up a rag to wipe himself off a bit and grabbed the shirt he had discarded nearby, tugging it on, “What sort of trouble could a woman possibly get into with me?” Sarcasm edged his tone. That was a fine joke.

Fath turned to look at Rachel then as well, since the oiling had stopped, Hellohello! A'zael glanced back at him. I'll finish you up once I've spoken with Rachel, he assured the bronze, who huffed impatiently in return. A'zael then took a moment to look her over and frowned slightly. Despite her good humor, she seemed quite worn down. “What have I done? Nothing recently, that I'm aware of....” He waved his hand for her to follow him and offered her a chair, sitting down across from it, “You could have gotten some rest before you came to see me, at least sit down.”

He studied her for a moment longer, briefly considering sending her away to do just that and doing this later, but, well, she was already here so might as well just get it over with so she didn't have to worry about it anymore. “I'll try not to take too much of your time. First... how are you and Aslith doing? You'll be no use to anyone if you work yourself to death.” Said the pot to the kettle. Well, he also needed intervention from those that cared about him in order to take care of himself properly, so if Rachel needed him to be one of those people for her, then he would be. The wellbeing of every rider in the Weyr was part of his responsibility, after all.

“We need you, Rachel... we can't afford to lose you because you're neglecting yourself,” he tried to appeal to her sense of duty, which he was quite aware the woman had in spades, especially where her job as a Searchrider came in. B'rax had told him the same thing, and about how Mavros's first Weyrleader had quite literally neglected himself to death. Overworked, overstressed, the man hadn't been able to bring him and his dragon back out of Between during a Fall, and that had been the first time Mavros had been left without a Weyrleader. It was a real fear for him, seeing Rachel looking so tired, that something similar might happen to her. Kenessia at least had R'zon to make sure she was taking care of herself, but as far as he was aware Rachel didn't particularly have any attachments like that. Losing any rider was bad enough, but losing a Searchrider would be worse.

[Alyx]

Rachel and Blue Aslith

Rachel gave a laughed, watching as Az wiped his palms and reached for his shirt. She wasn’t going to lie, it was a nice view – hey! She was female afterall! But the rep the weyrleader had developed made him strictly off limits, and Rachel had no real want to be another notch on someone’s conquest belt. Add to that the more current rumors of him and Srunae? Yea, best to enjoy that view from a safe, very far back distance. What trouble could someone get into with him? Rachel gave a playful snort of laughter and arched an eyebrow at the man. She could make a list if he liked…

Rachel opted not to, since he was nice enough to offer her a chair. She tried not to flop into the seat, but her drop into the chair’s embrace was a lot less controlled then the Bluerider would have liked. “Hello Fath. Looking handsome as always.” She favored the Bronze with a response since, unlike many other dragons, Fath did seem to talk directly to others without Az relaying. Rachel could feel the look and glanced up to see the Weyrleader frowning at her. She smiled and stretched a little.

“You sound so much like Aslith right now, it’s not funny, A’zael.” She rolled her shoulders, working to loosen the muscles in her shoulders now that she knew she wasn’t in any direct trouble – or she didn’t think she was? “No, it’s okay. I’m pretty sure if I slept first, you wouldn’t have seen me for a week.” Hey, she was being honest? She was a little surprised how worried he seemed? It wasn’t like A’zael didn’t care, but he didn’t normally try to corner her down to check up on her.

“Oh the old man is doing fine; his wing has been acting up a little, but since the most flying he’s been doing just back and forth, no recent fighting, he’s been managing. I do think he’s trying to stress himself into an early grave trying to mother-wherry me, but… well, he’s Aslith, what can I say. I think he just wants me to stay put to read him some of his books.” He did sound alike like the Blue… uncomfortably so. Rachel frowned at him.

“I sleep some, and I eat on the fly. I’m tired, yes; but you know as well as I do that Eggs don’t wait for the candidates to come to them.” Her voice was sore, the warm touch of anger there even threw her exhaustion. Three Hatchings… three she failed to have people on the Sands for… <Don’t.> Aslith was instantly there, pushing at her self-hate to drive it down. <You did what you could. You are doing what you can. Dwelling on that will not help.> ‘I know.’

Rocking forward to sit up a little straighter, Rachel roughly ran a hand over her face and sighed. “I’m not neglecting myself… not really. I’m just… busy. But like I said, I am eating, and I do sleep.” She smirked at A’zael. “Not as much as people and some Blue Dragons, seem to think I should, but I am sleeping.” She tilted her eyes, focusing her deep brown gaze on him. “Not that I don’t appreciate the interest in my welfare, and I’m not saying you don’t care, but why all of the sudden so worried? What am I missing?”

Zen

[Zen]

A'zael :: Bronze Fath

Fath's tail thumped the stone like a giant canine as Rachel addressed him, I am? A'zael laughed lightly at the bronze's complete obliviousness when it came to his own appearance. He really was quite a handsome dragon, but any time someone mentioned it to Fath the bronze seemed either confused or surprised, as if it was news to him. Just say thank you. Eyes whirling pleasant blues and greens, Fath rumbled happily, Thankyouthankyou!

With a last fond glance at his dragon, he turned his attention to Rachel as she spoke. She was trying to downplay how tired she was, and he managed to refrain from the usual wince when someone referenced the recent hatching and the three Betweens, because if he was taking the losses hard, the Searchriders were taking it harder. No one with any sense blamed them, but it didn't stop them from blaming themselves. It wasn't their fault it was hard to find people who wanted to come to Mavros, and even more so young people whose parents would let them.

He managed a bit of a sheepish grin as she asked why he suddenly seemed so concerned about her. It wasn't like he'd ever called her to meet with him to have a chat about her welfare before. “I know you and your fellow Searchriders have been working yourselves more since....” He didn't really want to bring it up again, and was quite certain she'd know very well what he meant, “I do want to make sure you're all still taking care of yourselves, but that isn't the main reason I called you.”

He paused, considering briefly, “I'm... trying to be more informed. Politics isn't my strong suit but if I want to help improve our situation then I can't just remain ignorant to it, no matter how much I hate it.” He gave a wan smile at that. He really did hate politics, such discussions tended to leave him feeling way out of his depth with his head spinning. He had never considered it a particularly necessary thing for him to worry about, with them being so isolated, but Divano had opened his eyes to the errors of that way of thinking.

“So I've been interrogating my Searchriders to see if they have anything worthwhile to share from popping all around Pern,” he continued, “Where have you had the most successful Searches? What sort of resistance have you been met with, and where? What have you heard, in general, being said of Mavros?” He could have asked a dozen more questions all at once, but he settled on those for now, giving Rachel time to think them over and answer them before bombarding her with any more.

Alyx