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A Renegade Incident At Bitra


Date:  June(?), 1996
Places:  Benden Weyr's Living Cavern and North Bowl; Bitra Hold's
Courtyard, Great Hall, and Skyspace
Game:  PernMUSH
Copyright Info:  The World of Pern is copyright(c) to Anne McCaffrey 
l967. The Dragonriders of Pern(r) is a registered copyright.

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Kassi's Note:  Though the evening at first seems apt to be a peaceful
one--talk in the Living Caverns centers on Leilanth's upcoming flight;
at Bitra, Aladis and R'val have stopped in at the Great Hall after 
riding an uneventful patrol--an attack by the renegades soon disrupts
that peace.  Maarie and Kassima volunteer to join P'tran in flying to
the Hold, and though the Bendenites succeed in capturing a man, the
episode seems to raise more questions than it answers.  Special thanks
go to Halia's (and Lia's) player from me, not only for her part in the 
renegade fooage but also for having made staying behind on watch more
entertaining than I had expected. :)

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The Log:

Portock looks to the bowl, "I am shocked it didn't happen a sevenday ago.
She is more golden than the sun right now."

Benden Weyr> P'tran peers ... well, there's loyalty for you :p :)

Benden Weyr> Portock groans........ ugggg, "I'm still putting my money on
you P'tran, down with the mutineers.."

P'tran chuckles ruefully. "Leilanth is very picky about things. Perhaps the
wind wasn't blowing right for her to rise."

Benden Weyr> Caitria grins at P'tran.

Benden Weyr> P'tran says, "BTW, anyone wondering about the flight
reschedule. Jehrina is looking at next Tuesday as a date, but that's not
certain yet."

Benden Weyr> Kassima doesn't know which side to be on, so just sells
souvenirs.

Benden Weyr> Caitria paints one of her cows bronze, and participates?

Portock laughs, "It could be, or maybe she is waiting to surprise us at the
crack of dawn some morning."

Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "Paint Vermooeth bronze, Tria. After all, s/he's
got wings.... ;)"

Benden Weyr> Portock gets the fellis ready to take care of Tria...:)

Benden Weyr> Caitria laughs at Kassi. Somehow, I think the wizzes would
disapprove of Vermooeth.

Bitra Great Hall> Sheberan turns back from staring out the window with
something bordering on obsession. He pours himself another glass of wine,
and downs it in a draught. He smiles benignly around the room, listening to
the chatter. Every few moments or so, he hauls his stachel a bit closer.

Bitra Great Hall> R'val nods to Aladis," I was, for a brief time, Benden's
Weyrhealer, and for turns before, their assistant weyrhealer. I delivered
often here in Bitra on emergency occasions.

Benden Weyr> Kassima can't imagine why... a creature half dragon, half
bovine, and half sweet wine is perfectly canon. ;) Well, not here,
maybe--but I'm sure it's canon somewhere! :)

Benden Weyr> Portock decides to inject himself before the insanity spreads
too far...

Bitra Great Hall> Aladis shakes her head slowly, "Interesting, isn't it,
the way one's life changes? I was happy up in Crom, digging firestone and
carving jade."

Angelique says "Maybe so.But don't forget now your closer to me than to
him." she chuckles and takes a sip of her wine."

P'tran grins at Portock. "I wouldn't be surprised. At least Jehrina is not
showing the signs of her proddy gold *too* much yet."

Maarie stares at the klah pot for a long moment and grimaces.

Rafferty chuckles and nods. "Thank Faranth."

Bitra Great Hall> Halia slips into a seat with her klah, with a smile for
the riders' conversation. She doesn't seem to notice anything odd about
Sheberan. Of course, the fact that she's not looking at him might have
something to do with that.

Benden Weyr> <Kassima> A voice whispers, "We have secretly replaced
Portock's regular needles with needles contaminated with Blood of the
Weyrdbeast. Let's see if he notices...."

Benden Weyr> Caitria laughs!

Rafferty says "And he's at Boll. I like it better at Benden. Southern and
Boll's too hot."

Kassima glances over at Maarie. "Something wrong with the klah?"

Jalimax goes and gets some klah.

Bitra Great Hall> R'val chuckles softly,"I was happy as I was until I was
Searched.' He scratcheshis hair idly and grins crookedly, wryly almost,
"You can't exactly plan on being Searched. It's always a surprise!"

K'nan glances up at the mention of Boll, and frowns, sighing to himself as
he slowly lowers his head back to look into his empty mug.

Maarie grins to Kassima, "Nah. Just not in the mood for it. More in the
mood for something stiffer from Boll or the whinecraft."

Angelique says "Boll to hot. Oh I love it there. Just like home." she
grins. "But what I like here are the hot springs."

Benden Weyr> Maarie just gives up on typing tonight...whinecraft...someone
shoot me...

Angelique takes another sip of wine.

Benden Weyr> Caitria thinks she's an honorary member of the whinecraft.

Benden Weyr> <K'nan> Maarie's glass says "Awwwwwwwww, C'monnnnnnn! Drink
meeee!"

Kassima chuckles. "Ah, aye... a green dragon, p'rhaps, or a Lava Twist.
Boll stocks some powerful drinks."

Benden Weyr> Maarie laughs!

Maarie oooohs, "Lava twists..."

Benden Weyr> Caitria snugs K'nan.

Bitra Great Hall> Aladis grins, nodding. "As was I. Didn't really know what
was happening until I was hustled off to Stand." She takes another sip of
klah, then turns to Halia, "Is there anything we can do for you while were
here? Any messages we could convey back to the Weyr?"

Rafferty looks up at Maarie. "Um...do you have the ingredients?"

Benden Weyr> Lal doesn't whine. She pummels. :)

Benden Weyr> Kassima laughs at K'nan and wants to apply to Whinecraft.
Always knew there was a Craft out there perfect for me. ;)

Maarie shakes her head, "Unfortunately, no, the one thing my sister is
unwilling to impart to me."

Bitra Great Hall> Halia shakes her head, with a smile. "I can't think of
anything, but thank you for the offer. We've a lad new to the hold who
delights in carrying messages back and forth. I wouldn't want to deprive
him." She chuckles softly, sipping her klah.

Kassima sighs reminiscently. "Or Sea Spikes... or Harper's Folly, now
there'd be a real treat. Most've my stock's gone, though. Saving the rest
for some sort of celebration."

Portock nods, "Thank the egg she delivered her baby already."

Rafferty raises an eyebrow. "Um...well, a friend of mine at Southern Weyr
taught me to mix some things..." He reddens slightly and looks at the table.

Bitra Great Hall> Sheberan takes a step clocser to the window again,
looking out over his shoulder. One eyebrow goes up, then pulls down. With a
calculated gasp, he points through the shutters. "Look at that!" A Harper
couldn't project more carefully framed alarm.

Bitra Great Hall> R'val grins at Halia, nodding, "It's always nice to have
a purpose." he remarks,sipping his klah.

Bitra Great Hall> Halia can't help but be startled, and gets to her feet.
"What is it, Sheberan?"

Bitra Great Hall> Aladis's klah mug is halfway to her lips as she hears the
call. Startled, she turns toward the window, "What's happened?"

Bitra Great Hall> R'val snaps his head about and stares at Sheberan at his
sudden exclamation.

Angelique smiles slightly as Rafferty talks. She leans back in her seat and
sips her wine. "I remember some of the drinks you used to make.
Excellent,it was."

P'tran goes to take a sip of klah and notices his mug is already empty. He
considers for a moment and hands the mug off to a drudge. He then heads
over to Salless and procures a half-glass of Benden Red from her

Rafferty looks up at Angelique under the brim of his cap. "I guess..."
Heshrugs.

Bitra Great Hall> "Great Faranth!" says Sheberan, in a voice designed to
carry. It doesn't do much else, being largely flat and uninteresting, but
the kid gives it a good shot. "Someone is stealing the sheep!" After a
slight pause, when no one seems to be running off in a bother, he makes
another expansive gesture toward the windw. It's a bit imperious this time.

Rafferty glances over at Maarie. "I could...I could probably make you up
something..."

Bitra Great Hall> R'val raises an eyebrow consideringly at he looks from
Sheberan to Halia.

Maarie blinks, lost in thought she comes back to her surroundings. She
grins, "That'd be good."

Angelique nods to Rafferty before looking over to Maarie. "I'd take him up
on his offer. He makes a ggod drink."

Bitra Great Hall> Aladis blinks. "Stealing the sheep?" She glances at
Sheberan, then R'val, leaning over to speak quietly to the bluerider.

Bitra Great Hall> Halia glances at R'val, then strides to the window as
well. She blinks. "They /are/! And most of the guards are to Benden Hold
tonight!" She calls a drudge to her side, sending the woman to find the few
remaining guards.

Rafferty nods, and walks over to Salless. After a moment of heated debate,
she hands him the key to a cabinet. He walks over to it and begins pulling
out some bottles, mixing the contents seemingly at random.

Bitra Great Hall> R'val half-stands, then stops as Aladis murmurs
something. He stands fully, and helps her up with one arm, murmuring
urgently to her.

Bitra Great Hall> Sheberan points to the window, waving the riders over as
well. "The sheep!" he calls again. And in case they don;t get it, he makes
a sort of 'baaaa' sound. "Bitran sheep! Under Benden protection! Oh mercy."

P'tran takes a sip of his wine and swirls it in his glass a few times
before returning to his seat.

Kassima glances over to watch the drink-mixing with interest, commenting to
Maarie, "Y'know, they say you should never ask what's in a drink. Aph told
me she got Marcus down at the Lava Lounge to tell her what's in a brown
dragon, and is *very* sorry she asked."

Bitra Great Hall> Halia shakes her head. "Though how they thought we
wouldn't /see/ them...herding them right past the hold proper." She raises
an eyebrow at Sheberan's 'baaa', then looks a bit relieved as several
Bitran guards, headed by the wonderfully convenient NPC Jerin, arrive.

Angelique watches Rafferty mix drinks.

Bitra Great Hall> Aladis sets her mug down, nodding vigorously to R'val.
Turning to Halia, she says in a quick, low voice, "Would you like us to
investigate?"

P'tran glances over to Rafferty for a moment with a raised eyebrow.

Rafferty holds up a tall glass, swirling it around to mix it, and inspects
it carefully. He hands the reddish/brown concoction to Maarie. "Here you
go. I call it a 'Red Star'."

Bitra Great Hall> Halia nods. "Jerin's big, but there /are/ only three
guards. And I think I'll join you. I'd like to have a word with...whoever
these people are." Her expression doesn't bode well for the would-be sheep
thieves.

Rafferty glances over at P'tran. "Oh, I'm very sorry, sir. That was very
rude of me." He blushes furiously and studies the floor.

Bitra Great Hall> R'val puts a hand on Aladis's shoulder to calm her
motions momentarily and raises a hand towards Halia, "Hold a moment.' He
says, frowning.

Bitra Great Hall> Jerin peers out the window, then nods to the riders.
"We'd appreciate your aid. They timed it well, whoever they are."

P'tran ums. "Just for future reference, it's better to *ask permission*
before you go helping yourself to the Weyr's liquor supplies like that ..."

Bitra Great Hall> Sheberan peers out at the wandering herd and the assorted
lowlife rustlers, and can be heard to mutter under his breath, "Apparently,
they're not very -bright-. Or punctual."

Rafferty nods. "Yes, sir. I'm very sorry..."

Maarie grins and nudges Kassi, "You watch those gloves and goggles he puts
on when he mixes it, that should be enough of a deterent." She takes the
drink, looking at it for a moment. "A Red Star? Should I chase it down with
some water?"

P'tran nods in agreement. "It was. Just remember for next time."

Bitra Great Hall> Halia pauses and glances towards R'val. "Yes?"

Rafferty nods to P'tran and then again to Maarie.

Bitra Great Hall> Sheberan turns to R'val as well, somewhat impatient. "Yes?"

Bitra Great Hall> Aladis frowns at R'val, but stays where she is, her
glance shifting between the door and Halia.

Bitra Great Hall> Jerin glances out the window again, then pulls his broad
frame forward. "Well, I'd rather not have to explain to th'Lord Warder why
all our sheep disappeared." He looks a bit disgusted, and strides for the
hold doors, the other two guards following in his wake.

Maarie takes a sip and blinks, "This is good!" She passes the glass on to
Kassi, "Take a sip..."

Bitra Great Hall> R'val shakeshis head, 'Nothing.' He says, seeming to
dismiss something inthe shake of his head, "Let's go, Aladis!"

P'tran watches the mixing himself with mild interest but makes no further
comments

Rafferty blushes even harder, carefully replacing everything back in the
cabinet, locking it carefully and handing the key to Salless.

Bitra Great Hall> "That's right!" Sheberan calls out after Jerin. "Save the
sheep! Go to it, lads! Heave ho! All for Bitra!"

Bitra Great Hall> Halia leaves after Jerin and company, then, looking
fairly irritated.

Bitra Great Hall> Halia walks out the main doors to the courtyard.

K'nan watches the drink curiously, and sighs, muttering to himself. "Can't
even get t'my -own- liquor anymore.."

Angelique watches Rafferty quietly,makeing no move to help him. She sips
her wine.

Bitra Great Hall> Aladis nods to R'val and turns to stride after Jerin,
muttering curses under her breath. "We'll stop these thieves."

Bitra Great Hall> Aladis walks out the main doors to the courtyard.

Bitra Great Hall> R'val walks out the main doors to the courtyard.

Kassima hrms and peers down at the glass, swishing the contents a bit,
before shrugging and taking a sip. Her eyes widen a trifle. "Aye, so 'tis!
And strong--'twouldn't need much of it to be getting on the sloshed side of
things...." She glances over at K'nan. "You could always ask someone to go
up and get it for you."

Salless watches Rafferty with a rather critical eye and looks about to
chastise him when P'tran shakes his head. "It's all right, Salless. I"ve
talked to him already."

Maarie glances over concerned at K'nan. "If you'll excuse me..." she
mutters, hardly waiting to maker her way over to him.

P'tran glances over to K;nan with a sympathetic look. "I know exactly how
you feel, K'nan, from first hand experience."

Maarie smiles, "Want me to go up and raid your private stash for you?"

Bitra Courtyard> Aladis strides quickly over to Asabeth. "Perhaps a quick
flyover would do the job. R'val, what do you think?" She turns to Halia,
"And we could take you and your guards."

Bitra Courtyard> Halia nods to Aladis. "That would be good, yes."

K'nan chuckles slightly, "Wouldna be th'same, Kassi...." He sighs and nods,
"Aye, sir...s'not easy."

Bitra Courtyard> R'val strides towards his dragon, nodding brisk agreement,
"That's the best way I can think of Aladis.'

K'nan smiles back to Maarie, "Nah, wouldna inconvience you like
that...thanks, though."

Lal walks in from the bowl.

P'tran nods solemnly. "Laerth and I were down for about a month," he
comments. "It was not easy."

Karise walks in from the bowl.

Bitra Courtyard> Aladis leaps up onto Asabeth's outstretched foreclaw, and
vaults up onto her neck with practiced ease.

K'nan forces a chuckle, "Wait t'see how restless I am by th'ninth or tenth
sevenday..."

Lal looks back. "Huh....I thought--ah! There yeh are!"

Rafferty takes his seat with Angelique, and tilts his cap down over his face.

Bitra Courtyard> R'val uses Vidarth's side straps to mount up agilely,
settling onto the little blue's back and straightening, petting his head
once as Vidarth thrums excitedly, ready to fly.

Bitra Great Hall> As the last of the Bitrans and riders leave the room,
urged on by Sheberan's claps on the back, and enthusiastic patter, he shuts
the door behind them, and latches it tight. A mercenary gleam lights his
eyes, and he returns to his original potted plant, digging up the crystal
paperweight he'd dropped in the fronds. Without a glance backwards, he
moves toward the Lord's chambers, and the caskets of Bitran wealth.

Lal says "What woudl yeh like, Miss Karise? Oh! Eberybody, this is Miss
Karise. She's here t'get a bite."

Bitra Courtyard> Halia glances uncertainly between the dragons.

Bitra Great Hall> Lia climbs down the stairs from the second floor.

Bitra Courtyard> From Vidarth's back, R'val calls out, "Up you go, Halia!
vidarth'll be happy to carry you again>"

Maarie shrugs, "I was heading out anyway. Really wouldn't be that much of
an inconvenience."

Bitra Courtyard> From Asabeth's neckridges, Aladis fastens her riding
straps quickly, then leans over, calling to the guards and Halia, "Mount up
after us."

Kassima chuckles, "Aye, you're right--couldn't trust us nay to raid your
private stores for ourselves, I suppose." Her eyes twinkle, then she adds
more seriously, "Though if you ever change your mind--well, you can always
ask Lyss'n I. Assuming we've not got sweeps or something, we'd help." She
nods to the person Lal introduced as Karise.

Bitra Courtyard> Halia chuckles briefly as both riders sense her
indecision, and moves over to the blue.

Bitra Courtyard> Halia climbs up the straps to Vidarth's back and settles
in hbehind his aft ridge.

Karise shakes her head, locks falling into her eyes. "No Miss, Lal. Just
Karise." She bows to everyone in the room, her pack making a cumbersome
weight, but one easily held.

Bitra Great Hall> Sheberan staggers out of the side door, a heavy, small
wooden trunk dragged along behind him. He heaves it up to a tabletop, and
pulls out a metal pike to break the lock.

P'tran looks over to Lal and gives a nod of greetings as he sips his wine.

Bitra Great Hall> Lia wanders down the stairs, a bit sleepy. She blinks at
Sheberan. "What're you doing to that?"

Bitra Courtyard> From Vidarth's back, R'val helps Halia briskly, then
another of the guards up onto the blue's back.

Lal blinks. "Oh, well, if yeh call me Miss Lal, I'll call yeh Miss Karise.
Simple."

Lal grins.

Angelique smiles softly at Rafferty. "You did good silly. and don't hide
your face." she reaches over and moves the cap out of his face.

Bitra Courtyard> Astride Asabeth Aladis helps two of the guards to mount
Asabeth, then turns to see them seated and safely strapped in. She calls to
R'val, "We're ready when you are."

Rafferty grabs at the cap and shrugs, clearly more than a little embarrased
at the attention.

K'nan smiles a bit, more genuinely than before. "Thanks...would 'preciate
it, actually."

Karise chuckles, flipping back errant hair with one hand. "Alright, Miss
Lal." She sets her back at the edge of the cavern, as not to make clutter.

Bitra Great Hall> *CLANK* The metal falls the floor and Sheberan fairly
ducks under the table. "Nothing!" he shouts, when he realizes he probably
looks a bit guilty this way. He surges back to his feet, casually, except
for the clonk he gives his head on the underside of the table. He smiles,
and folds his arms, ignoring the broken lock and casket full of Bitran
treasure.

Bitra Courtyard> From Vidarth's back, R'val nods towards Aladis, calling
out, "Then let's go!"

Bitra Courtyard> Along Vidarth's back, Halia nods in response to a murmured
comment from Jerin. "We'll find them. They can't have gotten far."

Lal says "D'yeh like packtail? Miss Salless does a fine one."

Bitra Great Hall> Lia frowns. "That's not yours! You shouldn't touch it."

Angelique laughs and looks around the cavern. "You really should get used
to Weyrlife. It is fun ya know."

Rafferty shrugs, and mumbles something.

Maarie grins, "Be back in a bit then." As she passes by Rafferty she tips
his hat up for him, "Good drinks. Hope you're sticking around."

Maarie walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.

Rafferty sinks in his chair a bit more at Maarie's recognition.

Dragon> Benden dragons sense that Laerth yawns and awakens from his nap. He
peers down at Leilanth's sleeping form. << Still glowing and hasn't risen
yet? >>

Karise nods, "Anything will suit. Just let me know what Salless wants me to
do in return for the food." She looks about, garnering an unused table and
settling down, sighing as she gets off her feet.

Bitra Great Hall> Sheberan points at the trunk, amazed, apparently, by its
very presence. "This? My goodness, no. It shouldn't even be out in the
open, and all broken and just waiting to be stolen." He clucks his tongue,
almost like an old auntie. "I'll just..." he oofs as he heaves it up off
the table, then continues, "... carry it off to somewhere safe."

Angelique laughs at Raff and finishes her wine. "So what you been up to?"

Rafferty shrugs. "Not a lot. Just cleaning stables, mostly."

Bitra Great Hall> Lia moves closer to Sheberan, watching him carefully.
"Where're you going to take it? I can give it to my mum. She'll keep it safe."

Lal says "Try th'table by th'kitchen--and dunna worry about th'work!"

Salless nods at Lal as she orders something.

Angelique says "So you interested in runners like Jan?"

Bitra Great Hall> "An excellent idea," Sheberan nods, sweating already with
the strain of the little trunk on his arms. Or maybe he's just nervous.
"Capital plan. You run along upstairs and see if you can find her."

Kassima grins at K'nan. "Well, 'tis the least we could do. 'Tisn't as if
you wouldn't do the same for us lot, now, would it?" Her grin broadens a
bit and turns wicked. "Y'know, a couple of my greens are due to clutch
before too long... maybe I should actually go out and find the nests and
bring you back some eggs so you'll have lots and lots of company while
you're grounded."

Salless fussily prepares Lal a plate of delicately grilled packtail,
complete with a nice dill sauce.

Bitra Great Hall> Lia shakeshakes her head. "She's not up there. I thought
she came down here."

Rafferty shrugs. "Kinda. But not as much."

"No, I really should do something for her." Karise nods firmly, her hands
now in her lap as she sits quiet demurely, for all the dust that is on her
clothes.

Bitra Great Hall> Sheberan keeps his smile in place, though it's getting
strained. "How about the kitchen, then," he fairly growls. "Or the
courtyard? Or any fardling place but here, you little snot."

Lal places the plat eof packtail in front of Karise. "Dunna worry, an'have
a bite!"

P'tran takes a glance out towards the bowl for a moment and raises an
eyebrow slightly, then shakes his head with a wry grin.

Lal grins broadly at Karise.

Bitra Courtyard> Along Vidarth's back, Halia frowns, moving a step away
from Sheberan. "You're mean!" she says, shaking a finger at him. "I'm gonna
tell my da!"

K'nan smirks, "I'm happy with Dusk and Sand, thanks Kassi..."

Bitra Courtyard> Along Vidarth's back, Halia hates it when she does that.

Angelique grins. "Yeah I don't think either of us will love them as much as
him." she blinks. "I'm sorry. Are you hungry? Thirsty?

Bitra Great Hall> Lia frowns, moving a step away from Sheberan. "You're
mean!" she says, shaking a finger at him. "I'm gonna tell my da!"

Rafferty nods. "Sure."

Maarie walks in from the bowl.

Angelique laughs. "Well what do ya want?"

Maarie comes back in, a relatively full skin in one hand. She makes her way
over to K'nan and sets it down on the table next to him.

Kassima smiles sweetly. "You sure? I'm quite certain any cute little greens
that might hatch from my lot's clutches would be more than happy to make
you their pet."

K'nan quickly scoops the 'skin up with a grateful smile, "Thanks, Maarie..."

Rafferty shrugs. "Whatever. I'm not picky like Jan." He seems to be
accustomed to referring to himself in terms of his brother.

Bitra Courtyard> Asabeth flies up into the air.

Bitra Courtyard> Vidarth flies up into the air.

Maarie winks, "Not a prob."

K'nan sniffs. "I've already got a perfectly fine green, thanks."

P'tran hmms and looks towards the bowl again, this time not grinning but
looking a bit concerned.

Bitra Great Hall> Sheberan starts to stagger toward the door, heaving the
weight of his loot along with him. At the girl's words, he stops, and wipes
an arm across his brow, letting the casket set on another table. "Stay
right where you are," he says in a threatening voice, or at least one he
hopes will be threatening to Lia. "If you stay where you are, and you don't
tell anyone I was here, you won't get hurt."

Bitra Courtyard> In the Sky Over Central Bitra, Atop Asabeth, Aladis peers
out over the area, gesturing toward the valley.

Karise frowns a little, but shrugs and takes a bit of the fish. She nods,
swallowing before she smiles to Lal. "Delicious. My compliments to the
cook." she winks, taking another bite.

Angelique ignores the 'like Jan' comment.

Lal looks at K'nan, "Are greens always littler'n other dragons?"

Bitra Great Hall> Lia gulps. "I'll tell him anyway!" she says firmly,
though she still looks scared. "Later." She closes her eyes for a moment.

Salless nods at Angelique as she orders something.

Bitra Courtyard> In the Sky Over Central Bitra, From Vidarth's back, R'val
looks out down at the landscape, and shrugs towards Aladis.

Kassima grins at K'nan. "Eh, I'm just being facetious, y'know. Wouldn't
wish a fire-lizard like my Rhiannon or Zhailene on anyone." Loud scolds
follow this and Kassi grimaces. "Okay, never mind! I take it back! Sheesh!"

Lal nods to Karise. "I'll tell, though I'm sure she heard." She looks at
Salless, whose beaming indicates she did.

Salless spoons Angelique a bowl of steaming hot bovine stew, seasoned well
with fingerroot, tubers, and onion.

Salless nods at Angelique as she orders something.

Salless unlocks the wine cabinet to pour Angelique a single goblet of
Benden Red.

Angelique pushes the wine and stew in front of Raff. "There ya go."

K'nan blinks at the sudden question, then nods as he pours himself a glass
from the 'skin out. "Aye, greens're the smallest color...Veyath's smaller'n
most've them, even."

Bitra Courtyard> In the Sky Over Central Bitra, Asabeth circles over the
area slowly as her rider peers down. Aladis shakes her head slowly.

Bitra Great Hall> Lia closes her eyes for a moment. A green firelizard pops
above her head, chitters for a moment, then blinks *Between*.

Rafferty nods. "Thanks." He digs in, eating carefully, as if afraid to offend.

Bitra Courtyard> In the Sky Over Central Bitra, From Vidarth's back, R'val
frowns deeply,and speaks quietly to Halia.

Bitra Courtyard> In the Sky Over Central Bitra, Along Vidarth's back, A
green firelizard materializes over Halia's head, chittering with agitation.
Halia blinks. "That's Lia's green--my daughter's. R'val, something must be
wrong..."

Bitra Courtyard> In the Sky Over Central Bitra, From Vidarth's back, R'val
says "Should we head back?"

Bitra Great Hall> Sheberan leaves the trunk behind for a moment, figuring
the Bitran sheep savers to be gone for quite some time now, if the
renegades did their job properly. He walks toward Lia. "You're not going to
tell him," he says, "or anyone, ever. Do you hear me? This is our little
secret, right, Lia?"

Bitra Courtyard> In the Sky Over Central Bitra, Along Vidarth's back, Halia
nods, looking a bit worried. "Please."

Karise listens quietly, her concentration mostly on her food. It soon
disappears from her plate, to which she frowns suddenly. "Jays," she mutters.

Bitra Great Hall> Lia shakes her head. "You're being /mean/," she insists,
backing away from Sheberan.

Lal says "Jays?"

Kassima nods agreement with K'nan. "Aye, though some greens are as large as
the very smallest blues."

Ara walks here from the Inner Cavern.

Bitra Courtyard> Vidarth flies down from above.

Ara nods hello, shyly, and sits out of the way...wondering if she's
interrupting something.

Karise ohs, looking up, a slight blush staining tanned cheeks. "Sorry," she
whispers, embarrassed my her small outburst. "I think I'm done," she says
half-heartedly.

P'tran's eyes go distant for a moment, and then he gets a concerned frown
on his face. "A delay?" he says suddenly for no apparent reason.

Rafferty glances up at Ara and waves, as if he knows her.

Bitra Courtyard> Asabeth flies down from above.

Ara smiles at Rafferty.

Kassima glances over at P'tran and inquires, "A delay, sir?"

Angelique looks up to see who Raff is waveing to. "Who's that Raff?"

P'tran hrms. "F'hlan's patrol over Bitra is delayed," he comments.

Lal raises an eyebrow at Karise. "Y'need anythin' t'drink? Sweets?"

Rafferty shrugs. He mutters to Angelique, "... girl I... the..." 

Ara blushes and turns away...

Bitra Courtyard> Along Vidarth's back, Halia fumbles with the riding
straps, slipping off the blue's back with the awkwardness of one not
/quite/ used to riding adragonback.

Bitra Courtyard> Halia slides down off Vidarth's back, landing as neatly as
possible.

Kassima frowns faintly. "That's unusual. Wonder what could've caused it?"

Ara isn't used to attention.

Rafferty gestures. "Come sit with me and my sister," he calls to Ara.

Bitra Courtyard> R'val slides down from Vidarth's back and lands in a crouch.

Angelique smiles. She mutters to Rafferty, "... girl?..." 

Bitra Courtyard> Atop Asabeth, Aladis helps the guards out of the riding
straps and to the ground, following after them.

Ara joins Rafferty and Angelique.

Portock looks at P'tran, "No concern is there?"

Bitra Courtyard> Aladis slips down to Asabeth's foreclaw, and pats it
affectionately as she drops to the ground.

Angelique looks up and smiles. "Come on over."

P'tran puts his glass down on the table abruptly. "Oh for Faranth's
sake..." he mutters.

Karise looks down, and about her plate, shaking her head. "I guess I /did/
just ask for food," she shrugs calmly, pushing the empty plate away.

Bitra Courtyard> Halia enters the hold doors.

Bitra Courtyard> R'val helps Halia and the guard to their feet, and
hurriesafterHalia.

Maarie glances over at P'tran, curious.

Bitra Courtyard> Aladis enters the hold doors.

Rafferty gestures to Ara. "Ang, this is Ara. Ara, this is my sister,
Angelique."

Benden Weyr> R'till says, "How'd the TP go?"

Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "Still going. :)"

Benden Weyr> P'tran says, "Still going on :)"

Ara smiles."hello...nice to meet you."

Karise looks up form the plate, giving the rider a curious glance. She
keeps quiet, however.

Bitra Courtyard> R'val races in with Aladis, hot on Halia's heels.

K'nan takes a sip of his wine, looking over curiously at the delay.

Bitra Great Hall> Sheberan nods again, advancing as the little girl backs
away. "I'm being mean," he agrees. "But all you have to do is promise not
to tell anyone I was here, or tell anyone you saw I had this casket, and
I'll go away for good Lia. But if you do tell... Well then. You'd better
keep an eye out when you go to sleep. For tunnelsnakes, and big ugly
wherries, and maybe even THREAD!" He fairly shouts the last word, towering
over the little girl now. "All in your bed, Lia. The choice is all up to
you..." He starts back toward the treasure box.

Bitra Courtyard> R'val enters the hold doors.

P'tran shakes his head. "Never a moment's peace!" He stands and takes out
his riding gloves. "The patrol at Bitra found something. I'm heading over
there."

Angelique smiles. "Well met Ara. Are you staying at Benden Hold with my
brother?"

Bitra Great Hall> Lia darts past Sheberan, fair tumbling into her mother's
arms, looking absolutely terrified by Sheberan's threats. "He's being
/mean/, Mum. And he was touching stuff that isn't his!"

Bitra Great Hall> R'val races in with Aladis, hot on Halia's heels.

Ara shakes her head."I'm staying at Benden, but so far alone...I'm looking
for work here."

Portock looks at P'tran, "Anyone hurt." He does the whole healer bit.

Bitra Great Hall> Sheberan falls flat to the floor as the door reopens at
this particularly awkward moment. It's either reflex, or a dead faint.

Ara smiles at Rafferty, then looks at the floor, as she is shy..

Lal ohs. "Awright."

Lal sits down at the quiet table by the night hearth.

Bitra Great Hall> Aladis rocks on her heels as she hears the last comment
from Sheberan, and bends to the child. "He was? What?" She then turns to
the man, "Is what she says true?"

Bitra Great Hall> Halia catches her daughter before the child falls, her
eyes blazing as she catches what Sheberan says to the child. "What," she
asks, "in the name of Pern is going on here?" She catches sight of the
chest, then. "Sheberan, I think you've a /lot/ of explaining to do." She
blinks as he falls, but looks like she doesn't quite trust this reaction.

P'tran hrms. "I don't know at this point Portock. I'll send for you if the
need arises. Hopefully it won't."

Bitra Great Hall> R'val stops dead in his tracks, his handon his knife
hilt, 'What...?" He blinks as the man hits the floor, and begins to step
cautiously over towardshim./

Starratiel walks here from the Inner Cavern.

Angelique looks up as Lal sits down. "Heya." she grins at Ara but doesn't
say a word.

Portock nods, "Hopefully."

P'tran looks to Maarie. "Zuseth is interested in going, Laerth tells me."

Starratiel says "Hello...."

Portock nods to Star, "Hey there."

Rafferty says "Sit down, Ara."

Lal nods to Angelique.

Kassima blinks and frowns. "Found something? D'you want us to go along and
assist, sir?"

Ara grins at Starratiel.

Bitra Great Hall> Aladis glances at R'val and takes a few steps toward the
fallen man, her hand hovering near her beltknife.

Ara sits next to Rafferty.

Lal blinks. "What? Found what?"

Maarie looks out to the bowl, "We are more than willing to help if you need
it, P'tran."

P'tran nods to Kassima. "Yes, we could use a few people, just in case. Both
of you come with me." To Lal hje says, "I'm not sure yet. Something about
stolen sheep but something *else* going on. It's ... confusing."

Bitra Great Hall> Lia clings to her mother, babbling something about
putting the chest somewhere safe, and telling da, and wherries and
tunnelsnakes.

Lysseth> Laerth backwings for a landing.

Lal says "Really? Do they need a pair o'hands? I'm willin' t'help....."

Angelique looks up at P'tran. "Whats going on?"

K'nan half-rises from his seat, then remembers. "Shards!", he swears,
sitting back down heavily.

P'tran ums at Lal. "Let us have a look at what's going on first."

Kassima nods and stands quickly, pulling on her gloves. "Aye, sir." She
grabs up her helmet from the table and fastens it, ready to go.

P'tran gestures for the riders to follow him.

P'tran walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.

Bitra Great Hall> Sot climbs down the stairs from the second floor.

Maarie walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.

You walk down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.

Bitra Great Hall> Halia lifts Lia into her arms, regarding Sheberan coolly.
"If you're shamming," she says calmly, "Don't bother."

P'tran climbs up onto Laerth in one smooth motion.

Maarie yanks on her gloves and helmet as she makes her way to Zuseth.

You place one hand on Lysseth's neck and she warbles down at you fondly.
You grin and scratch her eyeridges once before climbing up onto her lower
neckridges, using the riding straps and Lysseth's thoughtfully offered
foreleg.

<*> Maarie grins as Zuseth warbles affectionately to her while mounting.

Benden LC> Angelique watches the riders leave,confused. She turns back to
Raff and Ara.

Bitra Great Hall> Sot whistles softly as he comes down the stairs.

Benden LC> Rafferty shrugs at Ange. "That happen often?"

<*> From atop Laerth, P'transecures himself into the straps and then
immediately signals for launch

Kassima hurriedly buckles her straps and settles on Lysseth's neckridges as
the green tenses, preparing to launch.

Benden LC> Karise watches everyone leave, a frown sitting on her features,
puzzlement clearly registering.

<*> Laerth takes flight, using the thermals rising from the bowl to carry
him aloft.


Benden LC> Portock shrugs as the riders leave and sips his klah.

<*> Lysseth spreads her wings to their full extent, bringing them down with
a rush of wind as she leaps nimbly into the air.

You spring into the air and catch the thermals rising from the bowl floor
to carry you aloft.

Benden LC> Lal shrugs. "Awright. But lemme know, sir. I been in a few spats
wi'raiders n'roughnecks afore..."

Bitra Great Hall> R'val stands directly over Sheberan, his knife no longer
in his belt, but in his hand. He watches the man carefully.

Benden LC> Ara looks at the others in puzzlement.

<*> From the Benden Star Stones, M'nar's mint green Gelth rears on hind
legs and bugles a greeting to blue Darieth and his rider, Anise of Fort Weyr.

<*> Zuseth rises up from the bowl.

<*> From the Benden Star Stones, M'nar's mint green Gelth rears on hind
legs and bugles a greeting to blue Emmith and his rider, J'bal of Fort Weyr.

Benden LC> Lal says "I gotta know."

Benden LC> Lal walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.

Benden LC> Jalimax walks towards the inner cavern.

<*> From atop Laerth, P'tran signals quickly to head between to Bitra Hold

Benden LC> Portock looks at Star, "How goes it?"

<*> Laerth disappears into Between.

<*> Lysseth disappears into Between.

Between
You gasp as the icy black nothingness of Between surrounds you! You hear
nothing, see nothing, and feel nothing. The trip takes five heartbeats...
Contents:
Laerth
Black...
Blacker...
Blackest!

Bitra Courtyard> In the Sky Over Central Bitra, Laerth emerges from Between
with a blast of cold air!

You suddenly emerge...

Sky Over Central Bitra(#601RLe)
The high altitude affords an excellent view of the Bitra Valley;
paralleling the Bitra River's course, the valley walls run from the foot of
the Barrier Range mountains all the way to the start of the Keroon plains.
Cotholds line the north and south spurs of the valley; the central valley
is dominated by the imposing hold proper, built into the cliff that
overlooks from the west. 
 
The skies are clear from horizon to horizon. 
Contents:
Laerth
Obvious exits:
Benden Weyr  Fire Heights  Bitra River  Central Valley  Hold Courtyard  

<*> Lysseth emerges from Between with a blast of cold air!

Benden LC> K'nan growls underneath his breath, draining the remainder of
his glass quickly.

<*> Zuseth emerges from Between with a blast of cold air!

Benden LC> Starratiel says "Pretty good, thanks. How are you?"

Benden LC> Angelique shakes her head at Raff. "It's usual pretty quiet
here. But sometime a rider stirs up some commotion in the bowl. Wanna go see?"

Bitra Great Hall> Aladis nods grimly to Halia, moving closer to Sheberan,
eyes on him as she draws her beltknife. "Is what the child says true?"

Bitra Great Hall> Halia holds her daughter close, murmuring something
reassuring to the child. She calls to R'val, "Can you tell if he's
shamming? I wouldn't put it past him."

<*> Laerth bugles loudly before spiralling down into the courtyard below

Benden LC> Ara says "You were awfully busy last time I saw you..."

Benden Weyr> Kassima arrrrrrrrghs at the Lagbeast and beats it over the
head with a jar of marbles.

Benden LC> Karise finally pips up, her expression leaving no clue. "Just
what happened?" she asks to no one in particular.

Benden Weyr> Maarie says, "Interesting..."

<*> Laerth flies down to the Bitra Hold Courtyard.

You descend to the Bitra Hold Courtyard.

<*> In the Sky Over Central Bitra, Zuseth follows close behind.

<*> Zuseth flies down from above.

Benden LC> Rafferty shakes his head at Angelique and turns back to Ara.
"Yeah. Sorry. Trying to get settled."

Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "One works with what one has on hand. :)"

Bitra Great Hall> R'val smiles over his shoulder at Halia, a rather
unsettling smile, "I can tell. Easily.' He kneels carefully atthe man's
side, and reaches to grab at one hand.

Benden LC> K'nan says "Something up at Bitra...renegades, possibly."

Benden LC> Ara says "That's all right..""

Benden LC> Starratiel says "Shards, not again!"

<*> Maarie agilely slips down from Zuseth's neckridges and lands softly on
the ground below.

<*> From atop Laerth, P'tran quickly removes the straps and heads down

Kassima frees herself from the straps and hurriedly slides to the ground.

You slide off of Lysseth's neck to land beside her easily. She rumbles,
cocking her head down at you, and you rub her eyeridges gratefully.

P'tran comes down from Laerth's neck in one smooth motion.

Bitra Great Hall> Lia shrills, from her mother's arms, "Be careful! He's
mean!"

Benden LC> Angelique smiles and gestures for a drudge to refill her glass.
She looks over. "REnegaeds. Again?"

Benden Weyr> Lal says, "Where can I +watch the Bitra tp?"

P'tran looks around for a moment in quiet assessment and gestures for the
others to follow him into the Hold proper

Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "+watch on bitra-cy and +watch on bitra-gh :)"

Benden LC> Portock nods, "Yah, P'tran just left."

Benden Weyr> P'tran says, "+watch on bitra-gh"

Benden LC> Ara looks concerned."Will the dragonriders be able to put things
to right?"

Benden LC> Rafferty nods. "They usually can."

P'tran enters the hold doors.

Bitra Great Hall> Aladis stands on Sheberan's other side, her knife poised,
"And if he tries anything, I'm here too."

Maarie enters the hold doors.

You enter Bitra Hold.

The door to the kitchen opens fractionally as a drudge's curiosity finally
gets the better of her.

Benden LC> Karise ahs, softly, giving a polite now to the rider that
answered. She shivers a bit at the word renegades, but says nothing.

Benden Weyr> Starratiel wonders if I can puppet something....

P'tran emerges from the courtyard and immediately frowns when he sees the
situation. "What's going on here?" he demands.

Maarie stands slightly behind P'tran, looking about the room.

Sot has stopped at the base of the stairs, "I'd like to know the same
thing..."

Lia calls, before her mother can stop her, "Sheberan was being mean!"

Kassima strides in quickly, following P'tran and Maarie, then blinks at all
the unsheathed belt knives. One hand falls to the hilt of her own, rather
as a reflex.

Benden LC> Rafferty glances up. "Is...there anything we can do to help?"

Benden LC> Ara nods, also wondering the same thing.

Halia hushes Lia, then moves towards the newcomers, her daughter still in
her arms. "Apparently we've a thief in our midst." She gestures towards
Sheberan. "He pointed out some sheep thieves--who have conveniently
disappeared--and then, it seems, prepared to make off with some of the
hold's valuables."

Aladis turns to see the new arrivals. "Sir, this man alerted us to some
sheep stealing that apparently wasn't happening. When we returned to the
hold, he was threatening the child."

Benden LC> K'nan nods quietly, "They'll take care of it, aye...and nay,
it's far from here." Quieter, almost to himself, "..and I should be with
them there."

Benden LC> Starratiel says "K'nan, you're wounded, for Faranth's sake...you
can't go charging off after remegades."

Benden LC> Karise doesn't want to get involved, the answer clearly written
on her young face.

Benden LC> Angelique shakes her head to Raff and regards K'nan with quiet
eyes before sipping her wine.

Lia nodnodnods at Aladis's words. "He said /Thread/ was gonna get me." Her
brown eyes are huge, and still rather frightened.

R'val stands from Sheberan's side, "HE is now, apparently, unconscious."

P'tran raises an eyebrow at Halia and then looks over to Sheberan (who he's
never met or seen before this) and back to Halia. "Well, first I heard via
Laerth that there was some sheep being stolen. Is this true or not?"

Sot's eyebrow furrow as he looks at the man on the floor.

Benden LC> K'nan snorts lightly, "I know that well enough, Starr, don't
y'think? And I'm fine, s'Veyath that was hurt."

Aladis smiles grimly, "Or so it seems."

R'val smiles sidelong at Aladis," I can find out."

Halia nods to P'tran. "Yes. We saw the sheep, and the thieves. Where they
are /now/, though, I can't say."

Aladis nods to R'val, "I think you should."

Benden LC> Angelique watches Raff leave and stands herself. She looks down
at Ara. "Would ya like a tour?"

Benden LC> Ara says "Sure, that would be fine.""

Benden LC> "Well, sir, for the sake of your drsgon, I wouldn't take her
into that. Jays, I wouldn't take a healthy dragon into a pit of rengades."
Karise stops, realising she has said this aloud.

P'tran nods slowly. "All right. So then what is happening here in the Hold?"

Benden LC> Ara smiles at Angelique.

Benden LC> Angelique walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.

Benden LC> Ara walks down the short tunnel and out into the bowl.

Maarie moves back towards the door, still watching the room but keeping an
eye on the courtyard as well.

Benden LC> Anise walks in from the bowl.

Benden LC> J'bal walks in from the bowl.

Sot raises his eyebrows and looks at the rider, "I was upstairs when I
heard shouting... by the time I came down, Halia and the others were here..."

Benden LC> K'nan smiles very slightly. "S'our duty to protect th'Holds
beholden to us...from Thread /or/ Renegade."

Benden LC> Anise looks about and then states in general, "Fort's duty to
Benden."

Halia's arms tighten around her daugher. "I'm guessing Lia came downstairs
and found Sheberan preparing to leave with this." She nods to the chest,
then smiles slightly at Lia's emphatic nod. "He said some things that
frightened her, and she sent her firelizard to find me...and we came back.
Once Sheberan saw us, he..." She indicates the man, collapsed on the floor.

Benden LC> J'bal wanders in after Anise, looking around for the food.

Benden LC> K'nan salutes the newcomers after a blink of surprise, "Benden's
Duty t'Fort and her Queens."

Benden LC> Lal walks in from the bowl.

Sheberan darts a glance up at the voices, at the knife in R'val's hand, and
at the casket of Bitran treasure. Scrambling to his feet, he diregards the
first of those, ducks the second, and makes a lunge at the third.

P'tran nods slowly and looks over at the man that Halia indicates,
narrowing his eyes slightly. "Do you know him, Halia? Is he a resident here?"

Benden LC> J'bal echoes Anise, then starts a sly slide over to the nearest
plate of meatrolls.

Benden LC> Lal follows J'bal and Anise in, saying "Have yeh talked t'our
Beastmaster? I know he's particular about this sorta thing....."

P'tran sees the movement from the corner of his eye and whips his head
around. "Stop him!!"

R'val is close enoughto Sheberan that, as the man moves, so doeshe, lunging
with his knife outwards towards the man.

Jerin, a BIG man, even for a guard, moves to intercept Sheberan.

Benden LC> Karise nods, bowing her head to the riders that have entered.
She looks over to K'nan, nodding, "Aye, true enough....more brave than I
would be, I guess." She gives a hint of a smile, "I usually avoid."

Benden LC> K'nan sets his wine down, and smiles a bit, "Anything I can help
y'with, or jus' visiting?"

Aladis moves around Sheberan to stand between him and the door, diving
toward the man as he moves.

P'tran bounds from his spot near the entrance, hand on his own knife,
though not drawing it yet.

Benden LC> Anise looks back at Lal, "Your Weyrherder is a she. Name's
Master Caitria. Our Weyrherder Zuleika sent us, honest." She looks about
the room and then sits near K'nan, "Oh, we're just looking around."

Kassima takes a half-step forwards, eyes widening as she sees the man lunge
for the treasure. Both of her belt knives are immediately in her hands, one
poised for throwing, the other in guard stance.

Maarie steps even closer to the doors leading out to the courtyard,
attempting to block a way out that way.

Benden Weyr> Caitria peeeeers at the LC. Yer talking about me.

Benden LC> Lal nods, and sits. "Just checkin'," she says.

Benden Weyr> Maarie says, "Actually, Tria, *I'm* talking about you!"

Benden Weyr> Lal says, "I know. It was an IC way of seeing they were legit.
:)"

Benden LC> Anise looks over at J'bal and the food, "Right, J'bal? Just
seeing what Benden has to offer."

Sot, having no knife, looks for something he can stop the man with, but
realizes that the riders have it well in hand.

Benden Weyr> Caitria grins.

Benden LC> Karise blinks, looking about as she wonders if K'nan is taking
to her or...nah, she's just here. Must be the Fort riders.

The two other guards block the other exits from the room, looking like
they'd rather be going after Sheberan.

Benden LC> K'nan chuckles, looking between the two Fort riders curiously.
"Okay, feel free." He turns to smile back to Karise, "Bravery has nothing
t'do with it - no real choice in it."

Benden LC> J'bal nods, a grin appearing on his face. "Right, Anise. Just
checking out the herd."

Benden LC> Anise smiles brightly at K'nan and then introduces herself, "I'm
Anise, Darieth's rider and that is J'bal, Emmith's rider." She asks, "And
who are you?" She includes Karise in her question.

Benden LC> Karise hmms, wondering, then finally asking aloud, "No choice?
Well, I suppose." She nods, her features smooth out as she is addressed.
"Karise, m'am. Just plain Karise."

[Editor's Note:  At this point, the LC convo wandered away from 
renegades, so I've ended the +watch foo in the log for now.]

Benden Weyr> Caitria raises an eyebrow at J'bal's pose.

Benden Weyr> Maarie says, "They neglect to tell you they are using the herd
to test their tipping skills, Tria. ;)"

Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "Better than their knife-throwing skills,
Maarie. ;)"

Benden Weyr> Caitria ACKS!

Sheberan heaves on the rope handle of the chest, dragging it off the table
after him in his desperate attempt at the door. It crashes to the floor in
a scattering of jewels, marks and assorted baubles. Sheberan keeps moving,
diving a chair and leaping toward the window.

Benden Weyr> Lal damns skippys on that one.

Benden Weyr> K'nan likes Karise. :)

Benden Weyr> Caitria noddles. Looks fairly clueful.

Benden Weyr> K'nan says, "Tria, to your herd! Protect them! ;)"

P'tran tries to follow behind Sheberan but is still too far away to be of
any good an calls out for the others to close on him.

R'val scrambles towards Sheberan, and awkwardly jumpsthe man, trying to
bear him to the ground.

Benden Weyr> Caitria chuckles. In a bit, K'nan.

Sot blinks as the items hit the floor, then looks toward the window,
"Someone stop him!"

Benden Weyr> Lal nods. "Indeedido. She a candidate? Am I allowed to ask
that? :)"

Aladis steps over the jewels, running after Sheberan, her knife at the ready.

Jerin converges on the crowd moving for Sheberan. "Don't kill him," he
rumbles.

Benden Weyr> K'nan grins. Hey, if she's this slow to respond lately, maybe
I can find interesting things to do to her herd while grounded. ;)

Benden Weyr> P'tran apologize to those in the Bitra plot. The main
characters of the plot are trying to stay online in the middle of a
lightning storm :p

Benden Weyr> Maarie eeews.

Maarie slips out the door into the courtyard.

Maarie walks out the main doors to the courtyard.

Kassima curses loudly and sprints after Sheberan, not really close
enough--and unable to throw her knives with the others so close.

P'tran stops as he sees the others close in, hand still hovering over his
knife, but not as anxiously

Benden Weyr> Kassima icks and sacrifices the Lagbeast to the Mighty Weather
Deity.

P'tran says loudly, "I don't want him killed. I want to know what he knows
about these sharding renegades."

Jerin nods. That's why /he/ didn't want the guy killed.

Aladis nods curtly to P'tran, her knife poised, "Of course, sir. I think we
all would like to hear what this...man...knows."

P'tran looks over to Halia. "Can your guards keep him confined here at the
Hold? I don't think he's going to be in any condition to answer questions
right now."

Lysseth> Lysseth rumbles, eyes whirling redly as she stares at the entrance
to the Hall.

R'val stands near Sheberan, frowning. His knife returns to his belt.

Halia nods to P'tran. "Of course. We've a cell off the guard tower. Jerin
and the others can get him there."

P'tran nods. "Very good. I'll leave a dragon and rider here overnight as
well to keep an eye on things."

Halia smiles slightly. "I'd appreciate that. My thanks, and Bitra's."

P'tran pauses a moment, and remembers his place. "If that is all right with
the Hold." He nods when Halia responds positively

Sot nods, echoing Halia's sentiments.

Lysseth> Maarie peeks back in the door, seeing things under control she
strides across the courtyard to look out the gates and across the fields.

P'tran glances out towards the courtyard and sighs. "And the stolen sheep
on top of that." He frowns. "That doesn't make sense. Why steal the sheep
and then go ahead and take the chance of getting caught ransacking the Hold?"

Halia smiles faintly. "You don't know Sheberan," she says, shaking her
head. "I, unfortunately, do."

P'tran hrms and nods with a slight frown. "Well, we'll see what he knows
later then."

Halia nods. "I think I can find someone who will be willing to question
him," she says blandly.

Aladis sheaths her blade, a humorless smile on her lips. "I don't doubt
you'd find willing...questioners."

Kassima sheaths both of her knives and steps back, expression carefully
neutral and with wary eyes on Sheberan. She gives Aladis a grim smile and a
nod of agreement.

P'tran shrugs. "I'll question him myself. I want these renegades out of
Benden's beholden lands, period."

Halia watches the guards make their way to the guard tower with Sheberan,
then nods to P'tran. "I quite agree, of course. When I think of the damage
they've caused...." She shakes her head.

R'val shakes his head witha small smile, "At least we got back here in time
to stop him from.. "He frowns, and doesn't complete hisown sentence.

P'tran nods and runs a hand through his hair. "All right. I think we've
done all we can. I'll need somone to volunteer to be posted for the night."

Lia yawns, curling into her mother's arms. Then, apparently noticing the
knots, she blinks. "Are there dragons outside?" She's apparently bouncing
back from her scare.

R'val glancestowards Kassima,then Aladis. He fiddleswitht he handle of his
knife, still frowning in thought.

Kassima glances over at Lia and smiles at her, remembering the girl. "Aye,
there are. Several of them." She chews her lip thoughtfully, glancing at
R'val and Aladis. "Eh, sir, I'll do it if need be."

Lia whispers to her mother--a very audible whisper about going to see the
dragons.

P'tran glances about, waiting for a volunteer with a raised eyebrow, then
nods to Kassima. "Very good. It will just be for tonight, you can come back
to the Weyr at daybreak. You can be excused from the first morning drills."

Aladis nods to Kassima, then smiles at Lia, "Would you like to come out and
see them before we leave?"

Lia beams at Aladis. "Are there any green ones?"

R'val grins behind his hand at Lia.

Kassima nods at P'tran. "Aye, sir. Daybreak." She glances outside,
apparently relaying this to Lysseth.

Lia chuckles softly, and nods at a soft admonishment from her mother. "But
she /asked/ me!"

Lysseth> Maarie turns from the gates with a sorry shake of her head,
"Crazy..."

P'tran turns back towards Halia. "If everything is in order ... or as much
as it can be, I think we better take our leave. Unless there is anything
else we can do for the Hold."

Aladis grins at Lia, "There should be three of them out there." She smiles
at Halia, "She's more than welcome to come see Asabeth if it's okay with you."

Halia shakes her head to P'tran. "Thank you for your assistance. I'll be
sure to relay to Carow how helpful you were." Her lips twitch a bit, and
she nods to Aladis. "I'm sure she'd love that."

Kassima blinks back to herself, eyes refocusing, and flashes a grin at Lia.
"Aye, there are--three green ones. D'you remember Lysseth? The one who
likes cookies?" She chuckles at some unheard comment from outside.

P'tran nods to Halia and sighs slightly. "No doubt Lord Carow will want a
few words with me. In that case, Benden's duty to you." He turns to leave
and looks behind for his riders to follow.'

R'val smiles at Halia appologetically, "Some day, Halia, I'll visit and
there won't be some incident like this!"

Lia oooooohs. "Does she want one now?" She digs in her pocket and pulls out
a cookie, much to her mother's startlement.

Halia nods to P'tran, with a slightly wry smile, then to R'val.

P'tran walks out the main doors to the courtyard.

R'val smiles quickly at Kassima and winks to Halia on his way out after
P'tran.

R'val walks out the main doors to the courtyard.

Kassima laughs quietly. "Well, I'm sure she wouldn't mind one, Lia."

Lysseth> P'tran sighs and shakes his head. "Wonderful," He mutters to
himself as he mounts up

Lysseth> P'tran climbs up onto Laerth in one smooth motion.

Aladis hides her chuckle as she moves to the door, winking at the girl.
"Only one way to find out."

Aladis walks out the main doors to the courtyard.

Lia skips after the riders, looking very cheerful.

Lia walks out the main doors to the courtyard.

Lysseth> From atop Laerth, P'tran * REALLY has to log off and takes a
shortcut ...

Halia chuckles, following Lia to prevent chaos.

Halia walks out the main doors to the courtyard.

Kassima grins at Halia. "Delightful daughter you have," she comments as she
follows, to keep Lysseth from overdosing on cookies.

You walk out the main doors, to the courtyard.

Lia skips /right/ up to Lysseth, cookie extended.

Benden Weyr> P'tran sorries the Bitra plot did not come off as well as
intended and will bbpost a summary tomorrow. Night all ...

Maarie walks towards Zuseth, preparing to leave when a drudge stops her and
hands her a small package. She shakes her head, "Tell him I'm on my way."

Benden Weyr> Caitria waves to P'tran. :)

Kassima walks up to Lysseth and rubs her muzzle. "Going to be spending the
eve here, lump, but you'll get to sleep in come morning...."

Benden Weyr> Kassima zhaiwafflesalutes the Fearless Leader. :)

Benden Weyr> K'nan says, "Night, boss."

Aladis moves over to Asabeth, patting the green's shoulder. Asabeth, for
her part, crons with delight, whuffling her rider.

Lysseth cranes her neck down to whuffle Lia, licking the cookie from her
hand then crunching it in a shower of crumbs.

Bitra Great Hall> Sot shrugs and goes back upstairs to prepare things.

Bitra Great Hall> Sot climbs up the stairs to the second floor.

Lia giggles at Lysseth, then peers up at Kassi. "You're sleeping over? And
the dragon, too?"

R'val stands at Vidarth's side, stroking the blue as he shifts irritably
from side to side, whuffling his rider nervously.

Maarie tucks the package on her arm and strides over to Zuseth, "Sorry I
can't stay. Seems I'm playing errand boy once more..."

Maarie murmurs quietly to Zuseth before using her forelimb to climb up and
straddle her neckridges.

Kassima nods to Lia, still patting Lysseth's neck to soothe the green--who,
despite her cookie-crunching, is still a bit agitated. "That we are, me and
Lysseth both."

Aladis leaps up onto Asabeth's outstretched foreclaw, and vaults up onto
her neck with practiced ease.

R'val uses Vidarth's side straps to mount up agilely, settling onto the
little blue's back and straightening, petting his head once as Vidarth
thrums excitedly, ready to fly.

Kassima waves to Maarie, R'val, and Aladis. "Clear skies! Have a safe trip
home!"

Lia grins. "You c'n have my bed, if you want. I think Lyss...Lysseth would
be too big, though." She wavewaves to the riders, shrilling, "Come back and
visit soon! And bring your dragons!"

Zuseth trumpets loudly and launches into the sky.

Zuseth flies up into the air.

From Vidarth's back, R'val smiles, "See you around the weyr, tomorrow, Kassi!"

Halia chuckles at Lia.

Atop Asabeth, Aladis chuckles softly and waves to Lia, "We will!" Fastening
her riding straps, she calls to Kassi, "See you tomorrow afternoon."

Kassima laughs. "Oh, my... aye, I think Lysseth would be a bit too big for
a bed. And too heavy, fat thing that she is." This statement is obviously
ludicrous, since Lyss still looks incredibly thin despite her obvious good
health.

Vidarth flies up into the air.

Asabeth flies up into the air.

Lia roots around in her pocket and comes up with another, slightly battered
cookie, which she offers to Lysseth. "Can you take me for a ride?" When
Halia frowns, Lia blinks innocently.

As Lysseth takes the second cookie, Kassima hrms. "Well, if we stayed very
near the Hold, I suppose 'twould be all right--I'm supposed to be keeping
an eye on things, after all. And if it's all right with your mother." She
glances at Halia in question.

Halia nods slightly. "I'd rather she not invite herself, but I've no
problems with it. As long as you're /careful/." This last is directed to
her daughter, who nodnodnodnods.

Kassima smiles. "All right, then, Lia--we can go for a ride. A *short* one,
though." She turns to Lysseth and takes hold of the straps. "Let me get up
first, and Lyss will crouch down for you. Y'just climb up onto her foreleg
and then I'll give you a hand up from there. All right?"

Lia nodnodnods, eyes alight. She beams, announcing to the guards who are
returning from the tower, "I'm gonna ride a /dragon/!"

Kassima chuckles and swings herself up onto Lysseth's neck.

You place one hand on Lysseth's neck and she warbles down at you fondly.
You grin and scratch her eyeridges once before climbing up onto her lower
neckridges, using the riding straps and Lysseth's thoughtfully offered
foreleg.

<*> Lia clambers onto Lysseth's foreleg, reeeeaching.

<*> Lysseth crouches, nearly lying down on the Courtyard, and Kassi offers
her hand to Lia. "Be careful, now," she warns.

<*> Lia nodnodnods, and is half-pulled/half clambers to Lysseth's back.

Kassima fastens her flight straps, double-checking the buckles, and turns
to do the same for Lia. "This'll be a low flight over the meadow. If you
see anything out of the ordinairy while we're up in the air, tell me, okay?
And be ready for the launch--Lyss can jump awfully suddenly sometimes."

Lia nodnods, her smile splitting her face. "I know! I've been on a dragon
before." Not often, though, from her expression.

Kassima grins. "Okay, then--up we go!" She slaps Lysseth's neck in the
signal to launch.

<*> Lysseth springs from the ground, the air from her wings churning up
dust as she takes to the skies.

You fly up into the air.

Lia beams. "Look! There's the hold. It's so little!"

<*> Lysseth wings up from the courtyard with smooth wingbeats, settling
into a gentle glide. She wings over the Valley, wheeling on a wingtip, as
Kassi peers down and scouts the ground. She flashes a grin over her
shoulder at Lia. "It looks really little from up here, doesn't it? The
people look kind of like scuttling trundlebugs when it's really busy down
there."

Lia anticipated. *sigh* Too much stuff going on. She pops IC again, and
giggles. "My mum looks like a trundlebug right /now/!"

Kassima laughs. "Aye, a bit!" Lysseth folds her wings and coasts over the
valley, sort of doing a low sweep. Her eyes glow in the darkness as she
cranes her head to look this way and that, much as Kassima is doing.

<*> In the Sky over Southern Bitra, Tagenth emerges from Between with a
blast of cold air!

Lia ooooos. "Lookit the water!" She blinks as another dragon emerges, not
too far away, then wavewaves.

<*> In the Sky over Southern Bitra, Tagenth glides lazily, keeping to a
high altitude so as not to upset the herdbeasts below.

<*> Lysseth swings back over the Hold, which isn't really too little
anymore, since she's not quite as high in the air as she was. Everything
down below is readily visible, but Kassi still doesn't seem to see anything
strange. "Pretty from up here, aye? Easier to see the how the river flows
than 'tis on the banks." She glances up as Lyss bugles a greeting to Tagenth.

<*> Tagenth flies in from the south.

<*> Tagenth spirals once around Lysseth, bugling a greeting, then turns for
the fire heights.

Lia nodnods. "But the fish're too small to see. Could Lysseth catch a fish?"

<*> Tagenth flies down to the Drum and Fire Heights.

Kassima sighs. "Well, I can't see anything going on from up here... we
should probably head back down soon." She chuckles and replies to Lia, "She
could--and does, often. Lyss catches fish to help feed all my fire-lizards."

Lia awwwwwws. "Can't we stay up here a /little/ longer?"

Bitra Great Hall> Alisanda climbs down the stairs from the second floor.

Kassima considers. "Weeeeell, we haven't gone over the westernmost part of
the Valley... I 'spose we should do that before we land." She directs
Lysseth to turn west, which the green does, soaring swiftly on the winds.

Bitra Great Hall> Alisanda strips off her gloves and shoves them into a
pocket of her riding jacket, then unfassens the jacket while glancing around.

Lia beams. "Good. Can you stay a long time? Do you /have/ to go back
tomorrow?"

Bitra Great Hall> Alisanda stretches a little and makes her way over to the
klah pot, hoping for something reasonably fresh.

Kassima chuckles and nods. "I do--I'll need to make my report, and besides,
Lyss and I've got work to do at the Weyr."

Lia awwwws. "Can you come visit again, then? Really soon?"

Bitra Great Hall> Alisanda pours the klah into amug, sniffs it once, shrugs
and takes a sip.

Kassima smiles and nods. "I think we can, aye. But we should get back to
the Hold now." Lysseth folds her wings and starts to spiral down towards
the courtyard even as Kassi says this.

You descend to the Bitra Hold Courtyard.

Lia waves to her mother, bouncing with excitement. "Did you see me? I was
waaaay up there!"

<*> Lysseth crouches back on the ground, folding her wings with a
commentary rumble. Kassima turns to unbuckle Lia's straps, grinning at the
girl's enthusiasm.

Bitra Great Hall> Alisanda walks over and takes a seat on a bench, leaning
back against the table comfortably. She runs her fingers through her
windblown hair to straighten it a little.

Lia grins at Kassi. "Did she just say something to you? And I'm gonna be a
dragon when I grow up. I'm gonna be juuust this color." She patpats
Lysseth's hide, ignoring her mother's slight cringe, then hops off the dragon.

You slide off of Lysseth's neck to land beside her easily. She rumbles,
cocking her head down at you, and you rub her eyeridges gratefully.

Halia chuckles softly. "My thanks, as well as Lia's." She gives Lia a
pointed look, and the child warbles an enthusiastic thankyou. "Would you
like to go inside, then? Some klah, or juice, or wine...?"

Kassima grins and nods to Lia. "She did. Lyss has a lot to say, most of the
time. You want to be a dragon when you grow up?" She blinks and murmurs
under her breath, "Now where have I heard that before...." Shaking her
head, she walks over to Halia and smiles at the Headwoman. "You're more
than welcome. Some juice would be appreciated, aye--and perhaps some
information. You said you knew this fellow... Seberan, was that his name?"

Halia nods as she heads for the hold. "Sheberan. He's fostered here from
the Langhtons, based out of Fort."

Halia enters the hold doors.

You enter Bitra Hold.

Lia comes in the large eastern doors from the courtyard.

Kassima hrms as she follows Halia in, continuing the conversation.
"Fostered... how long's he been here, then?" She spots Alisanda and waves
to the brownrider.

Lia hates it when her mom forgets her.

Alisanda waves a greeting. "'llo."

Halia blinks and murmurs a slightly startled greeting to Alisanda, with a
smile, then says, "Hm. I'm not quite sure. Several months...maybe half a
Turn?" She smiles faintly.

Alisanda smiles at everyone, sipping a little cold klah.

Kassima bites her lip. "Has there been anything suspicious about him in all
that time--any hint that he was connected with renegades, or might try
something like this?"

Lia skips in, holding her mother's hand, then blinks at Alisanda. "Who're
you?"

Rullem comes in the large eastern doors from the courtyard.

Alisanda leans forward with her elbows on her knees to regard Lia. She
smiles warmly. "Hello. I'm Alisanda."

Halia shakes her head. "He's rude, disrespectful, nasty...but I didn't
think he was /this/ bad."

Lia ohs. "I'm Lia." She points at Halia with her free hand. "That's my mum."

Alisanda says quietly, "Nice t'meet you, Lia."

Kassima nods thoughtfully. "D'you know much about his background before he
came here?"

Rullem blinks as he catches part of the conversation upon entering. He
finds a place to sit down and watch with a curious frown.

Alisanda nods a general greeting to Rullem before turning her attention
back to Halia and Kassima.

Lia smiles.

Benden Weyr> Kieri says, "Did that Bitra thing happen? :)"

Rullem nods to the woman he doesn't know and looks at the rider and Halia.

Benden Weyr> Kassima says, "Ayeppers, it did. :)"

Halia shakes her head. "Langhton trader's son...got in a bit of trouble
there, I think, and was sent here for some of Jash's relatives to
straighten him out." She makes a wry face. "That obviously didn't work."

Benden Weyr> Maarie says, "Kinda, Kieri."

Benden Weyr> Kieri sighs, RL kept me from coming...

Alisanda pulls her ponytail out of the back of her jacket, then finishes
off her mug of klah with a long swallow.

Halia turns to Alisanda with a smile. "I'm sorry...we've just had a bit of
excitement tonight. Raiders."

Kassima nods absently to Rullem, then returns her attention to Halia.
"Trouble. Any specific sort of trouble? I doubt it'd be anything connected
with the current renegade problem, but," she shrugs, "never know where
y'might find a clue or something."

Alisanda nods to Halia solemly, "Yeah, word does travel fast. Sorry to hear
it."

Rullem leans over to the woman and murmurs something.

Rullem mutters to Alisanda, "What's going on..."

Alisanda mutters to Rullem.

Halia shakes her head. "I'd not heard the specific /nature/ of the trouble,
no. Jash might know, or his foster parents." She sighs. "And their names
escape me right now."

Rullem blinks and shakes his head, "Um. No. Don't think I should." He
glances over again.

Alisanda asks Halia, speaking up, "Could y'fill me in, when you have a
moment? 'Bout today's trouble?"

Rullem sinks back into his chair a little.

Kassima nods and settles into a seat. "If he's a history of such things, we
might know what kind of connection--if any--he has with the renegades. Now,
these sheep...." She glances out in the direction of the meadow. "They were
being stolen, and this Sheberan alerted you to it, correct? Then when you
returned, he was making off with that chest of goodies?"

Halia nods to Alisanda. "Of course." She chuckles softly. "Kassima just
summed it up, though." She nods to Kassi. "Lia came downstairs and found
him, actually." She gives her daughter a warm smile. "Then she sent her
firelizard after us."

Alisanda tilts her head a little, "Goddies?"

Rullem frowns.

Kassima explains, "From what I saw, it was a chest full mostly of marks and
a few jewels." She smiles at Lia. "That was a very good thing you did,
sending out the fire-lizard. Very smart."

Halia nods at Kassi's words. "That's right." She smiles at the rider's
praise of her daughter.

Lia beams, puffing up a little. "I knew Noisy'd find Mum, and she'd make
Sheberan not be mean."

Kassima grins. "Aye, I don't think Sheberan will be given any chances to be
mean. He won't be able to threaten you anymore." She frowns slightly at the
rememberance, then glances back to Halia. "D'you know how many sheep were
stolen? Are there any places hereabouts where these renegades could hide
the sheep?"

Rullem frowns and mutters to himself, then shrugs.

Alisanda pfffts, "Anybody track the sheep right after they went missing? If
there took more than a handful, they gotta have left marks, no?"

Kassima nods, frowning thoughtfully. "They would, I'd think, though I don't
know much about this tracking business. There *were* actual sheep stolen,
and it wasn't just a cover for Sheberan?" she inquires of Halia.

Alisanda wonders alloud, "Anyone sure this Sheberan didn't just see the
sheep-chase as a good oportunity for something of his own devise?"

Halia shakes her head slightly. "He may well have," she says quietly.
"There weren't all /that/ many taken. Not enough to profit well."

Alisanda mmms, "'Nuf to eat, maybe? Or too many for that?"

Kassima blinks. "Faranth, I didn't even think of that... aye, Sheberan and
the renegades could be completely unrelated--though I'm sure P'tran will
find out for certain when he questions him." She inclines her head at
Halia. "The ones that were taken, were they prime breeding stock? Or were
they more the kind that would be better eaten than sold for marks?"

Benden Weyr> K'nan thinks that S'riv would make a good WL, yepyep. ;)

Halia hms. "Depends on how many were eating," she says, with a faint smile.
"I didn't count exact numbers...and the beasthandlers haven't been able to
track exactly /which/ were taken."

Benden Weyr> K'nan winks,

Benden Weyr> S'riv just laughs

Benden Weyr> Kieri laughs.

Benden Weyr> Lal votes for Tria. :)

Benden Weyr> S'riv says, "as if anyone would /ever/ be that stupid"

Alisanda sets her empty mug down gently on the table behind her, and leans
back to listen again.

Benden Weyr> Caitria YAYs at Lal. *grin* My bronze bovine will win the flight.

Benden Weyr> Kieri says, "You never know...I mean, they let J'rus be a
WL...*grin*"

Rullem frowns and listens carefully.

Benden Weyr> Maarie says, "S'riv would be great. WL and WW all in one. ;)"

Benden Weyr> K'nan doesn't think he's stupid. Then again, K'nan looks up to
Saer - frightening as that thought may be. *grin*

Kassima asks, "Did the beasthandlers or guards--or anyone, for that
matter--look for the tracks, or does that still need to be done?"

Benden Weyr> S'riv says, "K'nan....I think that may be the most frightening
thing I have ever heard."

Benden Weyr> K'nan grins.

Benden Weyr> Kassima definitely fears *anyone* that K'nan thinks of as a
mentor. :)

Benden Weyr> S'riv says, "so what prompted all this talk about WL's and such?"

Halia inclines her head slightly. "The herder and a few others are looking
into that now."

Benden Weyr> Lal jots this in her notes.

Benden Weyr> Tinya says, "Leilanth's about to rise."

Benden Weyr> S'riv says, "ohh that..I thought it already happened?"

Benden Weyr> Kieri says, "Nope. :) Net troubles."

Benden Weyr> Tinya says, "Nope, net flaked."

Kassima nods and folds her hands. "That's good. Things seemed in order when
Lyss and I flew over the Valley, though we didn't do much more than a brief
scan. Has Bitra had trouble with renegades before this?"

Rullem hmmms, "Wonder what is happening back at camp."

Benden Weyr> Starratiel says, "Tonite? eeeek!!!"

Halia shakes her head. "Not since I've come to the Hold, except for that
unpleasantness at the Gather a few Turns back." She hrms. "But was that
renegades...?"

Benden Weyr> K'nan says, "No, not tonight Starr. ;)"

Benden Weyr> Kieri whews.

Alisanda nods to Halia, "A few Turns back, that was mostly Renegades. But
I'm sure this time isn't like that."

Benden Weyr> S'riv says, "when, so I can plan to be out of the weyr."

Benden Weyr> K'nan says, "She's -thinking- Tuesday. Not definate yet, tho."

Benden Weyr> K'nan says, "(T'least, that's what 'Tran said.)"

Halia nods, with a faint smile. "I think you're right, yes."

Alisanda says seriously, "This time I don't expect to see anyone bedridden
from knife wounds or the guards hauling bodies out'a the Hold. Best to
catch whoever's at this much, much sooner than before."

Rullem stands and leaves with a nod, mumbling about checking the camp.

Kassima raises one eyebrow. "Unpleasantness? Don't believe I know of which
you speak--anyway, these are likely to be the same ones that raided Valley
Hold, I think. If they didn't get much sheep this time, they may make
another attempt; I don't think I need to advise you to keep an eye out for
more problems." She blinks at Alisanda. "That sounds like more than just
unpleasantness."

Halia nods to Kassi. "Of course...we've recalled the guards back from
Benden Hold for extra patrols." She smiles wryly. "A euphemism."

Alisanda says quietly, "Anyway, it was a long time ago."

Kassima chuckles. "And I'm sure F'hlan and his patrol will be keeping an
eye out as well. All things considered, I would say you'll be well-guarded
in the future... hopefully, we won't have this problem long enough for it
to become such a worry that more serious measures will need to be taken."

Halia nods. "We'll see what Sheberan knows, too, before too long. Maybe
that will help." She lifts her daughter, now getting drowsy, to her lap.

Halia lifts Lia into her arms.

Kassima nods. "I'm certain P'tran will get the information he wants from
Sheberan, if the man is connected with the renegades at all. I rather hope
he is. 'Twould provide the best chance we've had yet to learn more about
these raiders."

Alisanda crosses one leg over the other, getting comfortable. "So, how long
are you staying, Kassima?"

Kassima replies, "I've only been assigned an overnight watch; I'll be
returning to the Weyr at daybreak to give my report."

Kassima leans back in her seat and inquires, "Have you found a safe place
to store that chest until the lock can be fixed?"

Alisanda nods once, "Ah. Doubt anything'll happen with you about."

Halia nods to Kassi. "Jerin's taken it up to my room, and is keeping an eye
on it til I get up there. Carow and I will find a place for it tomorrow."

Kassima chuckles wryly. "I hope not. My aim with m'knives isn't so good in
the dark as 'tis at daylight. But Lysseth is rather good at watching over
things--she gets enough practice mother-henning me, after all." She nods to
Halia. "It should be safe enough there. Such a chest might be too much of a
temptation if left unguarded."

Alisanda comments, "If you have another, y'might want to use the old one as
a decoy."

Halia hms. "That's a good thought. I'll remember that." She smiles,
shifting Lia in her lap.

Kassima smiles at Lia. "Your daughter's very sweet. I know Lysseth thinks
so. She wasn't actually harmed by this Sheberan character, was she?"

Halia smiles, kissing the top of Lia's head. "I think she was frightened,
but not physically harmed." Lia nods sleepily at her mother's words,
murmuring something about mean people. Halia smiles, then. "And thank you.
I think she's sweet, as well, when she's not getting into mischief."

Kassima nods. "I'm glad she wasn't hurt. If this man had been armed with
more than that chest, he could've been a lot more dangerous... fortune was
with everyone in this, I suspect." She grins. "Well, I certainly can't
fault her taste in dragons. You know, it's odd--seems that in several
places I've gone, children offer Lysseth cookies. Ruatha, Fort, here...."

Halia nods, her arms tightening protectively around her daughter...then
smiles. "She's tried to feed cookies to dragons since she could barely
walk. Lysseth's the first one who actually likes them, though. I think
that's why Lia likes her so much."

Kassima grins. "It's amazing what Lyss'll put up with--but she truly
doesn't mind the cookies. Not as good as raw meat, but not bad, to quote
her. She tends to shower the head of whatever poor soul is standing
underneath her with cookie crumbs, though."

Halia chuckles, picking a crumb or two from Lia's hair. "Yes, I noticed
that." She hms. "It could be worse, I suppose. Lia could be walking around
with raw meat in her pockets."

AlisandaOOC BAck, sorry, work calls. SIGH. SEe y'all later. It was fun.

Alisanda leaves to run errands...

Kassima laughs. "Faranth, that would be worse--she'd have every fire-lizard
around for leagues swarming over her, my own included. And they can be
*very* stubborn about getting food."

Halia nods, with a smile. "Her own and my five are enough. And now she's
rooting for her brother to get a lizard." She sighs, then adds, "Tam's just
Turned two."

Kassima chuckles. "A two-year-old with a fire-lizard... what a mess. Though
there's a girl about that age at the Weyr who wants one. Name's
Jaeleka--Jazmin's daughter. Cute girl." She smiles at Halia. "Children can
be a handful, though; I think I'm grateful I've none of my own."

Halia's lips purse a bit. "I know of Jaeleka, yes," she says, her tone
suggesting that this isn't something she likes to discuss, then quickly
changes the subject. "Children can be a blessing, though." She snuggles Lia.

Kassima shrugs and smiles. "I'll take your word for it." Changing the
subject, she asks, "Did that mystery of why there are so many shoes in the
river ever get solved?"

Halia chuckles, and shakes her head. "I never found out. Somehow, I think
it's best not to know."

Kassima grins. "Well, I've a theory... there's a bluerider at Benden named
Aphrael--I think you may have met her--and she occasionally plays pranks on
folks. Steals their clothing and that sort of thing. I think she dumps all
the shoes she steals into the river. It's the only way to explain it."

Halia blinks. "Hm. Interesting thought." She chuckles.

Halia snugs, including the +watchers, and flees the storm.

[Editor's Note:  Since the lightning storm made it necessary for Halia to
get offline, the log ends here.  ICly it can be assumed that Kassi stayed
the rest of the night, then headed back home to get some much-needed
sleep. :) ]