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Eclipse Rings and Weyrmeet Things


Date:  October 7(?), 1996
Places:  Benden Weyr's North Bowl and Records Room
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:  This weyrmeet struck me as being worth posting (even if
it is some years now since it occured) for two reasons:  one, it's the
closest thing to an official graduation for the Weyrlings of Leilanth
and Laerth's second clutch that I can remember, and two, it continues
the Renegade Cycle in that the problem was discussed during the latter
part of the meeting.

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The Log:

You backwing for a landing on sands of the bowl.

<*> Meli slips smoothly down from Juliath's neck to her foreleg and to the
ground, giving her a gentle caress.

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.

Adonith crooooooons to Meli and to Juliath but sidles over to Lysseth,
entwining his neck with hers.

Meli lands cockeyed, windmilling her arms for balance. "Evenin', Kassi!"
she yells over the crispy wind.

Kassima gets out of Lysseth's way just in time for her to croon an
enthusiastic greeting to Adonith, snuggling up close to the blue. "Heya,
Meli!" she calls. "Having problems standing up?"

Vidarth rumbles warmly towards Lysseth as she lands.

Adonith encircles Kassima with his tail, drawing her closer too.

Meli sticks her tongue out, reaching down to pull at her boot,
straightening it slightly and stomping her foot down onto the ground to
settle it firmly. "Neh... jus' jumped down too fast, s'all!"

Benden Weyr> P'tran says, "Time check: Weyrmeet in 10 minutes in the
records room"

Benden Weyr> Meli synchronizes her sundial.

Kassima eeks as she gets drawn into the draconic group hug. "Well," she
chuckles, "at least I won't freeze... oh, aye, I can imagine. I tend to do
that in the snow and always manage to land on my rump somehow."

Benden Weyr> S'riv wishes he could stay, but he can't, darnit

Benden Weyr> Kethran K-team? Synchronize... go!

Benden Weyr> K'tyn cracks up. :)

Benden Weyr> S'riv says, "This having all events at 6pm Pacific is lousy
for me"

Benden Weyr> Kenai checks her watch. :)

Benden Weyr> Kindre can't really 'cause the commodore arrow keys don't work :b

Benden Weyr> Kassima synchronizes her moondial!

Benden Weyr> P'tran nods and understands, S'riv, unfortunately it's the
only time I could make this week to hold it ...

Benden Weyr> Kindre idles for coffee... :)

Benden Weyr> S'riv says, "s'not yer fault Pete, I just actually /want/ to
make some of these events, and hardly ever can"

Prometh rumbles, nearly asleep.

P'tran comes down the stairs from the Weyrwoman's Ledge.

Juliath curls up, nose inside wing, and is quickly asleep. Or at least
faking it.

Adonith releases Kassima. Sort of.

Meli salutes P'tran as she finishes adjusting her boots.

P'tran nods briefly on his way through, carrying a bunch of scrolls under
his arm as he heads hurriedly towards the records room.

P'tran disappears into the records cavern.

Meli says "Think we have time t'grab some cider 'fore th'meetin'?"

Kassima salutes absently as she windmills, trying to keep her balance when
Adonith suddenly releases her. "Eh, I doubt it, Meli... wouldn't be fitting
to be late. Though if you go, you're more than welcome to get me a mug...."
She winks, and grins. "Just kidding, a'course."

Meli snorts but dashes into the lc anyway, nearly skating at the last.

Meli walks beneath the lintel and disappears into the living cavern.

Alyssa comes out of the short tunnel from the living cavern.

Benden Weyr> P'tran says, "Weyrmeet in 5 minutes. First part will be IC,
then some OOC items at the end"

Nicoth backwings for a landing.

T'lar slides precipitously down from Nicoth's back.

Kenai walks here from the south.

Liath backwings for a landing.

Kenai walks beneath the lintel and disappears into the living cavern.

Tinya swings her leg over Liath's back and drops to the ground, landing
lightly.

Nicoth moves over next to Juliath and whuffles softly.

T'lar disappears into the records cavern.

Kassima smiles and waves over to Lys, finally regaining her footing.
"Shards, it's getting cold fast... heyla, Lys! And T'lar, and Tinya, and
Kenai--oops, missed again. Must be time for the meeting, if people are in
such a rush, eh?"

Meli comes out of the short tunnel from the living cavern.

Adonith warbles softly in greeting to the others as he snuggles rather
protectively with Lysseth.

K'tyn walks here from the south.

Meli emerges, carefully balancing two steaming mugs in one hand, with some
bread and cheese filling the other.

Lal comes out of the short tunnel from the living cavern.

R'val comes out of the short tunnel from the living cavern.

K'tyn nods at dragon and rider alike as he comes northward.

Alyssa smiles a bit bashfully at Kassima. "Sorry...Adonith seems to want to
be possessive of you too, sweeting."

Lal grumbles noticeably, but manages a wave. "Allo t'all I didna see."

R'val grins warmly over at Tinya as he walks out of the living cavern,
"Hullo Tinya!" He moves towards her.

Brynarth backwings for a landing.

K'tyn grins at Alyssa, then follows the rest of the line toward the
record's room.

K'tyn disappears into the records cavern.

Meli sidles over to Kassi and 'lys, giving the dragonhealer a wide smile,
then sternly advising Kassi "Here's y'cider. Take it 'fore I drop it." She
can't keep it up for long, though.

Kassima chuckles and returns the smile, a bit ruefully. "Aye, I noticed...
but 'tis fine; he's a sweet one, and I hardly object to the extra warmth on
a day like this! Shall we go on in to the meeting? Oh, thanks, Meli...."
She accepts the cider gratefully.

Tinya waves back. "Heyla, R'val." She falls into step with him as she moves
toward the records room.

Alyssa returns Meli's smile with a bit of a blush -- she's never sure why
her friend has that big grin -- before she nods to Kassima. "I'd be
honoured to, greenrider."

Meli foists a piece of bread and cheese off on Kassi too as she steps into
the records room.

Kassima snorts. "Greenrider? Please! Next thing you know, you'll be
ma'aming me again...." She grins, then heads on inside.

You walk into the records cavern, leaving the bowl behind.

Alyssa strides in from the bowl.

R'val walks in side by side with Tinya, and pulls out a chair for her with
a smile.

Asrai strides in from the bowl.

T'lar smiles at Meli and makes room next to him.

Fashaylan strides in from the bowl.

Elyandra strides in from the bowl.

Benden Weyr> P'tran says, "Last call! Weyrmeet to begin on one minute."

Asrai sits over in a quiet corner, not wanting to be in the way.

Meli finds a comfy spot on the giant greenrider couch o'doom, pulling T'lar
in to sit at her feet :)

Benden Weyr> Kindre has coffee and is on her way :)

Fashaylan settles in a quiet corner.

K'tyn leans against the wall.

Sionelle strides in from the bowl.

Kenai strides in from the bowl.

Kassima munches the slice of cheese bread as she steps in, saluting those
who need saluting as she slides into a seat.

Jessia strides in from the bowl.

Kerlyn strides in from the bowl.

Kindre strides in from the bowl.

Tinya smiles thanks at R'val as she settles into her chair. Her black
kitten slips out of a pocket and arranges herself comfortably on Tinya's lap.

P'tran finally finishes arranging his notes and sighs slightly, running a
hand through his hair. He calls over a rider and quietly asks him a
question, to which the rider shakes his head in the negative. P'tran sighs
again and nods, then turns to the others.

Alyssa settles near Kassima, looking chilled in the winter weather, then
she beckons for Kindre to join her nearby.

Kethran strides in from the bowl.

Lal strides in from the bowl.

P'tran makes a brief OOC note that Jehrina will be a little late, then
falls back IC again

Kindre peers over some heads until she realizes who the waving hand is
attached to. Smiling, she moves through and settles near Alyssa.

Kethran wanders in and takes a seat beside K'tyn, his movements a bit
self-conscious. He lays his stack of hides carefully before him on the
table, and glances around nervously.

T'lar snuggles up against Meli's legs.

Jessia wanders in, following all the bigpeople curiously.

Meli ruffles T'lar's hair, then pauses to sip her cider.

Kenai finds a vacant seat, huddling into it, cradling her mug of steaming
klah.

N'ren strides in from the bowl.

Ofira takes a seat by Kethran, still having more business to discuss with
him later.

N'ren comes in with Lily, carrying a bouncing (literally) baby girl.

Lily strides in from the bowl.

Elyandra strides over and finds her seat at the council table, sinking into
it with a smile.

Kerlyn walks in, wedging herself in against the wall, only to look and find
herself next to Sionelle.

Kassima glances with some concern at the bluerider, offering her the cider
mug. "You look like you need it more than I do, Lys. I've got this warmed
bread; should be enough to serve through the meeting for me."

P'tran grins as he sees Lily walk in, then glances at the former Weyrlings
for a few moments before announcing, "All right, everyone, let's get
settled, I'd like to get the meeting started ..."

K'tyn is not nervous, though he seems a bit distracted. He leans over, and
whispers smething to Kethran, smiles, and resumes leaning against teh wall.

R'val squeezes Tinya's hand with a smile, "This isn't your first benden
meet, is it?" He then shuts up and turns towards P'tran.

Sionelle casts a glance around the room for a seat, steps in the opposite
direction from Kerlyn, ends up walking toward N'ren and the boucing baby
girl, and makes a face. She turns back. At least Kerlyn doesn't drool and
burp and wail. At least, not very often.

Lal nods and smiles at Lily. "Allo. Talk later?" Then she hears P'tran start.

Fashaylan spots Lily, and N'ren with Talia, and waves.

Meanwhile, the rider that P'tran was speaking to quietly slips out for a
few moments.

Lily follows in after N'ren, smiling softly at the little girl the
brownrider carries. She slips to a seat and nods politely to P'tran,
catching Lal's comment and nodding, and waving Fashaylan over to sit with her.

Tinya shakes her head, murmuring, "No, second." She leaves her hand in
R'val's.

Alyssa shakes her head and notes softly to Kassima, "I'll be warm enough
wedged between you and Kindre, Kassima. But thanks."

Fashaylan nods, and stands and slips silently to Lily's side.

P'tran glances about the room and grins a little bit more. "I'm glad to see
such a large turnout at the meeting, especially from the former Weyrlings,
for the first item on the agenda has to do with them directly."

R'val nods with a smile to Tinya, and keeps her hand in his as he turns
back to P'tran.

Kindre smiles at Alyssa and then turns to listen.

Lily gives Fashaylan a big hug as she grins at P'tran.

K'tyn looks up at P'tran, his attention focussed on the weyrleader.

P'tran smiles more fully now. "First I'd like to say something that I
didn't get a chance to before. The latest batch of Weyrlings is a fine
group, and Benden is honored to now have them in our ranks as full riders."

Kassima chuckles and nods. "If you change your mind, though, just say the
word...." With that, she turns back to listen with all attentiveness to
P'tran, sipping occasionally from her steaming mug.

K'tyn grins.

Elyandra claps and smiles, "Very fine group."

N'ren lifts Talia above his head, then pulls her back down, "Gotcha!" Then
he nods to those who have greeted him.

Lal only allows a short smile to escape on her face. She sits, attentive.

Alyssa smiles faintly and a bit shyly at P'tran's and Elyandra's praise
before shoving her hands in her pockets and looking away.

Kindre nudges 'Lys before peering to smile somewhat blushedly at Elyandra
and the Weyrleader.

Janus tiptoes in.

P'tran grins. "However, there is one last thing that we did not get around
to yet concerning your graduation. We generally do it while you're being
selected for wings but decided this time to do things a little
differently." He looks over to Lily and gestures for her to come forward.

Talia gurgles happily at the bouncing, holding out her arms to her father.

Benden Weyr> K'tyn says, "blushedly, Kin? What's that? :):)"

Fashaylan blinks at N'ren, and then shakes his head with a smile, returning
Lily's hug, before nodding in agreement to P'tran's statement.

Benden Weyr> Kindre says, "a bad use of wording? :)"

Benden Weyr> P'tran +quiets to keep the log clear :)

K'tyn glances at Lal and Lys before looking back at the Weyrleader.

Lal eyes the room, watching Lily. She looks a little nervous, and sinks her
head into her shoulders, attempting to look incinspiuous.

R'val raises his eyebrows, curious now.

N'ren settles the little girl in his arm, and finally sits down, to let
P'tran continue. He still bounces her, though.

Alyssa looks up at the nudge and smiles briefly to Kindre before watching
Lily. She shrugs faintly at K'tyn as if to say, "Beats me."

Asrai listens intently, watching the croud.

Lily smiles briefly at her daughter, and stands, moving to the front of the
room. "I do apologize for the slight delay in completing this commission,
especially because these things were made for people who I consider
friends." She slowly unwraps a silver tray, upon which are a number of
rings. Looking at the newly graduated riders, she smiles. "From myself, and
on behalf of the Minecraft, and on behalf of the Weyrleader, I should like
to congratulate you on your graduation."

Lily dropped Tray of Rings.


Tray of Rings:
This is a silver tray, over which a cloth of black sisal has been laid. On
the tray are a number of rings, labelled for their new owners, the newly
graduated former Weyrlings.

Interesting items:  Theras  Karises  Lals  Alyssas  Kindres  Cvadans  Ktyns


Meli grins at the former weyrlings, those she knows well especially, and
twists her own ring around her finger once for remembrance.

Elyandra applauds and adds her own, "Congratulations!"

Benden Weyr> Cl'rek grumbles. "Back in *MY* day we didn't get rings.

Kindre's eyes widen as they gaze on the rings. Mouth forms a small 'oh'
before she smiles.

Fashaylan beams happily, pride in his Master's work showing in his eyes."

P'tran looks down at the tray and smiles broadly, then looks back to the
former WEyrlings. "This is a Benden tradition, and since like Lily said it
took a little while to finish the commission, we thought it would be nice
to give them out now during the Weyrmeet."

Benden Weyr> Elyandra says, "We didn't either, Cl'rek."

R'val grins hugely.

Benden Weyr> R'val nods to Ely. we didn't :)

Kassima runs her thumb over her own emerald ring, grinning widely at the
ex-Weyrlings. "Congratulations!" she calls quietly.

Benden Weyr> Meli says, "We're just lucky to have Lily :)"

Benden Weyr> Elyandra says, "It's a tradition?"

Sionelle, standing against the wall, tucks her hands behind the seat of her
pants to form a cushion, and to better hide her ringless fingers. She moves
over a step, crowding into Kerlyn for no apparent reason.

Tinya grins at the former weyrlings, her free hand dropping momentarily to
the hilt of her belt knife, her own graduation present.

P'tran peers out over the crowd. "We don't have all of them here this
evening, so I'll just call out the names of the ones that are present.
Alyssa? You're first."

R'val Murmurs to Tinya, "That knife was for your graduation, didn't you say?"

Benden Weyr> Cl'rek is happy for you guys, though. :)

Kethran grins happily as he watches Alyssa, then nudges Kiat beside him,
whispering back with a chuckle.

Alyssa stares, just stares at the rings, her eyes widening perceptible. At
P'tran's summons, she rises and walks in her soundless manner to the
Weyrleader, saluting him crisply. The pleasure in her eyes is blatent. "Sir?"

Lal runs a hand through her hair.

Ofira smiles warmly, happy for Alyssa and her other friends.

K'tyn blinks, taken aback. This is clearly something He'd not expected. "My
thanks," he mumbles.

Lily smiles broadly at the former weyrlings, picking up Alyssa's ring and
handing it out to her. "Congratulations," she says.


Alyssa's Ring:
This is an ornately carved, square-topped ring made from subtly glowing
yellow gold. One one side of the ring is a round egg shard, with hints of a
purplish blue on its opalescent rainbow surface. On the other is a deep
blue, square-cut sapphire, its facets reflecting the richness of its colour
as light hits it. Engraved between the two are the initials "A" and "A".
Under the initials is a diamond-shaped field of rubies overlaid with an
onyx roman numeral two, the symbol of Benden Weyr. Inside the band of the
ring a small lily is engraved, the mark of its maker.


Tinya nods silently in answer to R'val's question, as she watches Alyssa
get her ring.

Kerlyn gives Sionelle a sideways elbow, glancing at her own ringless
fingers only briefly before shoving them into her pocket.

T'lar smiles up at Meli and watches his good friend go forward for her
symbol of ridership.

N'ren, between bouncing the baby in his lap, glances over at the rings. He
smiles, but for a moment.

P'tran returns Alyssa's salute with a broad grin and calls out the next
name. "K'tyn."

Kethran beams proudly as his sister returns, and then gives the bronzerider
beside him a nudge of encouragement.

"Watch it," Sionelle snaps at Kerlyn. She 'accidentally' steps on the
bluerider's foot, and mumbles an insincere apology. "I'm trying to watch.
This is important."

Lily then picks up K'tyn's ring, holding it out to the bronzerider. "My
congratulations to you and your Prometh."


K'tyn's Ring:
This is an ornately carved, square-cut ring of subtly glowing yellow gold.
On one side of the ring is a carefully set round egg shard gleaming a pure
white, with just a whispery shadow of grey across one corner. On the other
side is a darkly shimmering square-cut black diamond, its facets refracting
the light, drawing attention to the stone's perfection. Engraved between
the two are the initials "K" and "P". Under this is a diamond-shaped field
of rubies, overlaid with an onyx roman numeral two, the symbol of Benden
Weyr. Inside the band of the ring, a small lily is engraved, the mark of
its maker.


Kindre smiles wide as she watches Alyssa come back and K'tyn go up to
recieve his ring. "Can I see?" she whispers even before Alyssa can resettle
into her seat.

K'tyn steps away from the wall and makes his way up to P'tran. Standing
rigidly at attention, he salutes.

Alyssa grins, just grins, at Lily before taking her gift to her seat again,
cradling it like the treasure it is.

P'tran salutes smartly in return to K'tyn, grinning. He looks out over the
crowd to see who else is present. "Um ... Kindre."

K'tyn accepts the ring graciously from Lily, then walks back to his wall.

Lal shifts in her seat.

R'val watches Alyssa proudly, smiling.

Lily carefully picks up the next ring, smiling at Kindre. "You and Herath
are a lovely pair. I'm very happy for you."


Kindre's Ring:
This is an ornately carved, square-cut ring made from subtly glowing yellow
gold. One one side of the ring is a carefully set egg shard, its golden
hues blending nicely with the small edge of greenish dappling just visible.
On the other is a square cut diamond, its brilliance dazzling to the eye
when the light catches it. Engraved between the two are the initials "K"
and "H". Under the initials is a diamond-shaped field of rubies, overlaid
with an onyx roman numeral two, the seal of Benden Weyr. Inside the band of
the ring is engraved a tiny lily, the mark of its maker.


Kindre pulls her eyes from Alyssa's hands and stands, walking up to the
Weyrleader and Masterminer. "Thank you, Ma'am...you're kindness is only
outdone by your workmanship. And thank you, Sir."

Kassima peers at Alyssa, trying to get a good glimpse of the ring. "'Tis
lovely, Lys," she says with all evidence of sincerity. "Lily's outdone
herself this time." At that, she flashes a grin the the Weyrminer.

P'tran nods to Kindre and smiles, then looks out again and calls out, "Lal."

Asrai smiles at her friends as they recieve the gifts.

Kindre smiles broadly at Lal on her way back to her seat.

Lal gets out of her seat, head down. She shuffles to Lily, muttering
thanks. "Thanks."

Alyssa sits down, her headache gone, her previous stress dissipated. She
grins at Kindre, and the other weyrlings, pleased as can be.

Lily chuckles at Kassima's comment, her cheeks turning slightly pink. She
hands Lal the ring. "I'm so proud of you," she says to her former apprentice.

[Editor's Note:  Though I'd swear I looked at them all, the descs for 
Lal's and C'vadan's rings were missing from my log, so I don't have a
desc to provide here.]

Lal mumbles something about good grades of silver. She nods to Lily.
"Thankee Lily." She walks back to her seat, examining the ring with a
miner's eye. "Nice stuff."

P'tran smiles at Lal, but it falters a little as he sees Lal with her head
down, but makes no issue of it now. He instead looks back over the crowd.
"Hmm, I think that's all of them that are present tonight. If I missed
anyone, please speak up."

Alyssa looks up at the conclusion of the little ceremony and says, "I think
on behalf of my former wing, I can safely say a deep thanks to you, Master
Lily. This...this is very, very special."

P'tran hmms when he hears nothing in response. "Ok, then, I'll have to
track down the others later. I'll close this item on the agenda by thanking
the Weyrlingmasters for their work this past Turn or so with the Weyrlings."

Lily smiles at Lal, her eyes twinkling, then nods to P'tran. "I'll leave
the tray with you, then, sir?" She quickly returns to her seat, brushing
back a curl of her daughter's hair.

Lal spies some of her former weyrlingmasters, and offers a compulsory
glance of appreciation.

Benden Weyr> Lily will leave the tray in the Records Room for those who
aren't here tonight.

P'tran nods to Lily. "That will be fine." He shifts the tray over slightly
to see his notes better. "Now, with that bit of pleasant duty attended to,
I'd like to go onto the next item ..."

Sionelle offers Lal the compulsory polite smile.

P'tran says "The riders here are most likely already aware of this, but I
thought I'd mention it. We've had some changes in Wingleadership. Skyfire
is now being led by T;fian, blue Meroth's rider, and Dawnslight by
Elyandra, green Zibrith's rider"

Fashaylan resettles himself at Lily's feet, and covers a yawn, before
listening again to P'tran.

N'ren's face sets, briefly, in a disappointed line. Then the expression is
hidden.

Benden Weyr> Kethran says, "By the way, assume Kethran is doing appropriate
congrats ;) I'm avoiding posing each one except in whispers and the like to
avoid spam in the log."

P'tran says "T'fian had to pull double-duty for awhile being both
Weyrlingmaster and Wingleader, so I wanted to thank him for his effort in
that."

Alyssa smiles brightly at Elyandra, calling congratulations to the
well-deserving new wingleaders.

Lily rests a hand, briefly, on N'ren's before leaning down to tousle
Fashaylan's hair. She smiles her congratulations to Elyandra.

P'tran's expression softens a little. "While the changes to the wings were,
ah, sudden, they were necessary, and I'm sure Benden's Wings will benefit
from the changes." He frowns just ever-so-slightly, as if wondering if he
had chosen the right words.

Lal is very busy looking at her ring.

R'val claps briefly but soundly at P'tran's words, smiling.

Kindre adds her quiet congratulations to T'fian and Elyandra, smiling wide.

P'tran ahems and quickly moves on from what looks like an awkward topic for
him. He blinks at R'val's applause but manages a slight smile before
continuing. "Anyway, with that bit of news out of the way

Kerlyn's eyes don't roll at all. Nope. Well, maybe just a little bit. But
it doesn't last long.

Kassima murmurs her own congratulations with a quirked smile, nodding
faintly in agreement with the Weyrleader's words.

P'tran ahems and quickly moves on from what looks like an awkward topic for
him. He blinks at R'val's applause but manages a slight smile before
continuing. "Anyway, with that bit of news out of the way, I'd like to move
onto the next topic, and that's the recent tithes."

Fashaylan smiles ever so slightly, not bothering to fix his hair, as he
watches the different reactions to P'tran's words.

Ofira leans forward slightly, listening attentively.

Kethran's gaze returns back to P'tran as the subject of tithes is
mentioned, and he listens attentively, flipping to the second and third
hides in his stack and laying them side by side.

Cyrolin listens quietly from her spot against the wall.

P'tran smiles a bit more. "The tithes have come into the Weyr -- well, most
of them so far -- and they have been looking quite well. The Holds and
Halls under Benden's protection have been generous and we should be
well-supplied this winter."

Janus seems to be a bit distracted.

Tinya rests a hand on the kitten on her lap, petting it gently. Gamble
purrs softly.

"About time," an older rider in the back snickers.

Lily listens to the Weyrleader speak, her eyes, however, focused on her
daughter.

Cyrolin glances over at Janus, and smiles, motioning him over.

P'tran glances over to Kethran and ums, reminded of something. "Only Lemos'
tithe has not come in yet," he adds. "A few people here were concerned
about that, so I had a patrol sent out yesterday. The tithe train was
delayed by a rockslide that blocked off the road ahead of them. No one was
hurt, but it took them a little while to clear it. They should be hear by
the end of the sevenday."

Kindre seems relieved at this latest bit of news.

Janus catches Cyrolin's glance and unobstrusively makes his way over.

R'val nods, his expression clearing faintly as he smiles, relieved at the
news.

Kenai blinks, looking up at that in some surprise.

Kethran raises his hand quietly, looking toward P'tran inquiringly.

Kassima ahs and nods, expression changing to one of comprehension once she
hears the explanation.

P'tran grins a bit as he sees spirits lift at that news, then glances over
to Kethran. "Yes, Kethran?"

Kethran nods quietly. "That's good news that no one was hurt, sir. I do
wonder, though, if their cargo is intact? Or if we need to begin making
alternate arrangements for woodcraft supplies?"

Jaen strides in from the bowl.

Jaen leans against the back wall upon entering, trying to be sure P'tran
doesn't see her arriving late.

Lily listens to the discussion, one brow arced slightly in Kethran's
direction.

P'tran nods to Kethran. "The rockslide happened ahead of them, so no one
was hurt and nothing damaged. However, I have another patrol still out now
checking on their progress. I was hoping they'd be back before the meeting,
but it didn't work out that way."

Kethran nods. "Those supplies will come in handy, with the twenty-odd new
Weyrs we have to furnish," he admits.

Cyrolin gets a relieved expression at the news of no injuries.

P'tran grins at Kethran and nods in agreement at that. "Very true. I
understand their tithe is generous as well, so we should have nothing to
fear in that regard."

Kerlyn smushes Sionelle a little further into the corner, as she makes a
bit of room for Jaen against the back wall, beside her.

Jaen flashes a grin at the other riders.

P'tran adds, "I'll have them make sure to check in with you and Felinar and
his other assistants when they get to the Weyr."

Talia gurgles cutely at her father, blowing bubbles at him.

N'ren lifts a hand in greeting to Jaen, then goes back to the baby in his
arms. He tickles her stomach.

Cyrolin smiles softly at the baby.

P'tran glances down at his notes when he hears no more comments on the
tithe. "All right then, on to the next topic, which is unfortunately not as
pleasant but something you should all be updated on as well, and that has
to do with the renegade problem we've been having."

Talia laughs with delight at the tickling, waving her little arms.

Alyssa steals a moment to admire the glistening ring on her finger before
the word *renegade* makes her head jerk up. She shoots a glance at Tinya
before watching P'tran closely.

Asrai twirls a lock og her hair as she listens.

Meli finishes her bread and cheese, shifting slightly to listen better.

R'val squeezes Tinya's hand more tightly at the mention of the word
renegade, and scowls.

Kindre frowns deeply, her eyes falling to the table as she prepares to hear.

K'tyn frowns, looking grim. He glances at Tinya, then at P'tran, waiting
for information.

T'lar leans forward a bit to listen.

Lal raises her head from her examinations of her ring, interest in her face.

Cyrolin watches closely and nods.

N'ren ignores the comments about renegades. He just continues to tickle his
little girl.

Tinya sits up straight suddenly, looking at P'tran with a _whole_ lot more
interest than tithing reports were getting.

Fashaylan frowns at the new topic, but smiles as he remembers the cookie he
stuffed in his pocket earlier just for this kind of moment.

Lily looks up sharply at P'tran as the word renegade is mentioned.

Ofira frowns worriedly.

Jessia fixes her entire concentration on the baby, watching the child
curiously.

Kassima's expression sobers instantly at mention of renegades, and she
becomes all attentiveness, even stilling her absent thumb-twiddling.

P'tran sighs. "Well, I'd love to tell you that we found the renegades and
that it's over with, but no such luck. They still have managed to elude us.
I'm getting more and more convinced we're dealling with a rather small band
of them, maybe no more than three. It's the only thing that explains how
easily they've been able to hide."

Talia continues to laugh and gurgle, obviously delighted in the tickling
her father is giving her.

Kethran glances up at P'tran again, a question in his eyes.

P'tran continues after taking a breath, "Fortunately they have still been
limiting their activity to small raids and such, and have not hurt anyone
extensively, with the exception of Tinya."

P'tran ums and looks over to Kethran. "In a moment..."

Portock strides in from the bowl.

R'val squeezes Tinya's hand protectively, glancing at her worriedly as the
old injury is brought up.

Cyrolin glances over at Tinya, and smiles.

Cyrolin sees Portock, and beams!

Portock walks in and trys not to cause too much of a disturbance as he
makes his way over the Cyrolin.

P'tran adds, "And it seems that the attack on Tinya was more of a lucky
shot than anything else rather than an attack on a rider."

Jaen slips out, pulling on her gloves as she does so.

Jaen slips out of the records cavern.

Alyssa comments before she can shush herself, "That doesn't diminish the
wrong..."

Benden Weyr> Kenai notices the time and Gacks! I've got class in 5 minutes!
Sorry folks!!

R'val says, sternly, "It certainly does not, Alyssa!"

Jehrina strides in from the bowl.

T'lar leans back against Meli's legs again. His face is somber.

Asrai flinches at R'val's tone.

N'ren bounces Talia on his leg this time, and nods a greeting to Jehrina.

Tinya nods slowly. It's not clear which comment she's responding to.

Fashaylan frowns at his cookie, as it isn't working, and stuffs it back in
his pocket, leaning back against Lily.

Jehrina rolls her eyes, and drops into a seat next to P'tran.

As the Weyrleader is speaking, the rider that he had quiet words with
before comes into the room, pushing his way past people, nearly knocking
people over, almost bowling over Jehrina, giving her a sheepish apology,
until he makes his way to the back of the room where P'tran is standing.
P'tran frowns at him. "Why are you interrupting ..." He trails off as the
rider starts to speak, then hurriedly says to the others. "um, just a
moment ..."

Alyssa nods respectfully at Jehrina before her attention returns to P'tran.

Benden Weyr> Jehrina mutters exlamations vile against San Jose traffic.

Kassima salutes Jehrina, nodding agreement with Lys. "Just the idea, of
shooting at a rider..." she murmurs sotto voce with something of an edge to
her tone.

Cyrolin uh hos.

Kethran gapes at the rider, and then shakes his head, covering his face
with his hands for a moment as he awaits the news.

Jehrina raises an eyebrow.

Portock squeezes in next to Cyrolin and gives her a smile and then look
around the table and nods a greeting to others.

Lily nods politely to Jehrina, her eyes widening as the rider rushes in.

Kindre smiles at the Weyrwoman and then turns an odd look at the goings on
after the rider pushes through. Straightening up a bit, she waits for a
relay of this message.

Cyrolin glances at Portock, and smiles..then looks at the Weyrleader in
concern.

P'tran speaks off to the side with the rider, and from what you can
overhear, it has to do with the returning patrol. After a few moments
P'tran exclaims, "Well in Faranth's name why didn't the first patrol
discover that?!"

Talia is oblivious to anything the adults are doing, except for the neat
bouncing her father's giving her.

R'val cocks his head, listening closely.

Cyrolin blinks.

Lal blinks.

Asrai's violet eyes widen with worry.

Fashaylan sits up , and his eyes widens at P'tran's tone.

Alyssa starts at P'tran's very uncharacteristic raising of his voice,
looking worriedly to see what might be said next.

Kindre quirks a brow and frowns, this obviously not being good news.

P'tran sighs as the rider finishes his report. "Yes, all right, thank you,
dismissed." He turns back to the others and takes a moment to compose himself.

Tinya frowns, dark brows drawing tight together. She leans forward, then
straightens again as Gamble gets squished and squeaks, but loses none of
her intensity.

Jehrina eyes P'tran, "Well?"

P'tran pauses a moment more and then starts slowly, "The second patrol is
back, and it seems that after the tithe train got underway they discovered
that they were missing some items ..."

Kassima raises one eyebrow, obviously startled by the tone of the
Weyrleader's voice. She leans forward in her seat to listen especially
closely to whatever the next words might be; her faintly grim expression
suggests that she doesn't expect them to be good ones.

K'tyn leans close to Kethran. He mutters to Kethran, "... sure it...
Keth...."  He looks at P'tran, waiting for the word. "Some items?"

R'val leans forward, closer to P'tran, his dark eyes intent on the
weyrleader, expectant. His expression is grim.

Lily mutters under her breath, slipping a protective arm to her
fosterling's shoulders. "What sorts of items?"

Kethran cringes at the news, and shakes his head -- then brightens a bit,
glancing up toward the Weyrleader. "Only some?" he says, a ray of hope in
his voice.

K'tyn reddens, not meaning to speak out of turn.

Alyssa, leaning forward at Kassima's side, swallows a bit of the previously
proffered cider as she again awaits further information.

P'tran continues, frowning. "It seems that one of the wagons in the rear of
the train was ransacked and some supplies stolen. Certainly not enough to
effect the Weyr in any way, but needless to say the Lemos folk are a little
upset about it."

K'tyn raises a hand.

Kindre nods slowly, "As they would be expected to be..." she thinks aloud
and then blinks, hushing.

R'val starts violently, nearly shooting up out of his seat.

P'tran is about to say something else when he spots K'tyn's hand. "Yes,
K'tyn?"

Kethran breathes out a slow sigh of relief, and then glances to P'tran, a
question still in his eyes, though he glances over at K'tyn and then lowers
his gaze, letting his companion speak.

Fashaylan grimaces and shakes his head, then closes his eyes in a
thoughtful manner.

Ofira shifts nervously in her seat, watching the reactions around her.

Lily glances worriedly at N'ren and her daughter, her attention returning
to the Weyrleader.

K'tyn clears his throat. "Sir, it seem odd to me that they would take so
little as to be neglible...Was that their intent? To not be noticed?"

Lal says "Mebbe they just want enough t'get along."

Lal offers this drolly.

R'val has to smirk at that, and speaks aloud, "They raid a tithe, and don't
expect to be noticed?"

Lal snaps to R'val. "Doesna mean they wanted t'be noticed."

K'tyn frowns. "I mean, If one were to raid a tithe trian, why not take all
of it?"

N'ren seems to not be paying any attention at all. He continues to play
with the baby in his arms.

P'tran replies, "According to the patrol, they took enough to supply a
couple of people for the winter. They took food, healing supplies, and wood."

Jehrina says "Taking an entire tithe train is more than a slightly
difficult maneuver."

K'tyn blinks, digesting the comments.

Lal nods. "S'what I figured. Has anybody thought that these renegade folks
NEED that stuff?"

Kassima grimaces and rubs her temple with her unoccupied hand. "Shells,"
she mutters, and suggests to K'tyn, "Mayhaps they'd nay have room to hide
the full contents of a train? 'Twould surely be hard to move that much
stuff and go undetected."

Fashaylan chuckles quietly at Jehrina's comment.

P'tran nods to Jehrina. "Yes, it doesn't look like it was their intent. The
Holdfolk believed it happened when the tithe train was stopped because of
the landslide."

Kethran nods to P'tran, his own mind already trying to tally the losses,
before he glances back to P'tran, still wondering something, from his
expression.

Talia, for her part, coos happily at her father, reaching out a tiny hand
to patpat his.

"Might the landslide have been deliberate?" Alyssa asks pensively.

T'lar raises his hand for attention.

Kethran smiles at his sister as she asks the very question that had been
nagging at him.

R'val merely shakes his head, scowling as he listens.

Asrai raises her own hand hesitantly.

P'tran sighs at Alyssa. "I really don't know at this point, I'll have to
send another patrol out to look over the area. Um, T'lar, you wanted to say
something?"

T'lar says "We now know which side of the avalanche these renegades are on.
Should we mount a patrol to look for them or has too much time passed?"

P'tran nods to T'lar. "That was my idea as well. I'm going to have someone
go out there soon as we conclude here."

Lal raises a hand.

T'lar says "I volunteer, sir."

Asrai keeps her hand up, biting her lip but wanting to still speak.

P'tran smiles slightly. "I thought you might at that. All right then,
consider yourself in the patrol." He glances over to Asrai and nods to her.
"Yes, you wanted to say something?"

Lal lowers her hand, frowning.

Kassima nods and lifts her hand, calling at the same time, "I volunteer
also, sir, if more people are needed." She then quiets down, looking rather
sheepish at having spoken out of turn.

Meli gives T'lar's shoulder a brief squeeze, her face impassive.

P'tran watches Lal's hand go down and turns his head her way long enough to
say, "I'll get to you in a moment, Lal, I saw your hand up ..."

Jehrina rubs her forhead.

T'lar places his hand on Meli's and leaves it there.

Tinya says, "I'll go too, you bet." She meant it for a murmur, but it fell
into one of those sudden silences. Her face pinkens a bit, but she looks
quite determined.

P'tran raises a hand briefly. "One at a time, please. I know a lot of you
want to volunteer, but we need to finish this first."

Lal ohs.

Asrai stands, trying not to look around for fear of losing her momentary
nerve, "Sir, if these renagades stole enough to survive during the
wineter...don't you suspect that they will hold up till the spring? If they
can make it to the caves around Lemos, you might have a harder time then
you think finding them. That's...that's where I'm from, originaly. The
caves are quite extensive. If you ask the people there tho, they might be
able to help...the renagades will want to stay apart, so as not to be
conspicuous with their new found wealth. and believe me, enough food to
last the winter is wealth indeed." She looks around at the riders, "If you
are nice to the people you find they will be more helpful...they are a
sensitive bunch."

R'val murmurs to Tinya, 'I'd like to go with you Tinya. If possible. It was
my /home/'s tithe that they raided..."

Kethran nods at Asrai's excellent point, looking back to P'tran for his
response.

P'tran nods to Asrai and considers. "That is a good point, I forget about
those cave systems sometimes. I think it would be wise to have the patrol
sweep over to Lemos from the point where the rockslide occurred."

Caitria strides in from the bowl.

Lily nods to Asrai, approvingly, returning her attention to the little girl
in N'ren's lap.

Asrai nods, remembering with a flush that she is still standing and quickly
resumes her seat.

Kethran nods. "Perhaps even send people into the caves to explore, sir?" he
wonders.

R'val smiles towards Asrai encouragingly as she sits.

P'tran nods to Kethran. "That's an idea as well, perhaps round up some
residents to assist with that, since the riders will be covering the sky."

P'tran glances over to Lal. "Lal, you had something you wanted to say?"

Kethran nods. "I'd be happy to work on that angle, sir," he adds.

Lal nods, and stands. "I do."

P'tran nods to Lal and listens attentively.

Kindre's attention now focuses on Lal.

"I got a simple question: if these renegades was s'dangerous, an'
s'worrysome, they would ha'done somethin' real nasty, naw? Sounds t'me liek
they're survivin', sir. All thsi talk's buggin' me." Lal seems serious
about this.

P'tran nods to Lal as she speaks. "Believe me, Lal, you're not the only one
that's been thinking that there is something a bit odd about these
renegades," he says.

Talia again reaches out to patpat her Daddy's big hand, cooing softly.

Jehrina clears her throat, and then nods, "We're not necessarily out to get
these folks, Lal. But we can't have them stealing from the Holders, either."

T'lar clears his throat. "If they're just surviving, why don't they just
ask for help? A place to live and work?

Asrai says softly, "People get desprate when they are hungry sir." She
looks sheepishly over to Tria.

P'tran quickly adds, "That does not excuse them from what they're doing,
however, but you are right, they are not like renegades we've encountered
in the past."

Caitria flickers a slight smile to Asrai, but nods at P'tran's words.

Lal says "Mebbe they cinna get work. Mebbe they're Holdless people that
holders dunna like."

K'tyn blinks at Lal, then nods, slowly. Thoughts pass visibly across his
face...Lal does have a point. But...raids are raids. And someone could have
been killed in that rockslide...

P'tran raises a hand. "Please, quiet for a moment ..."

Alyssa listens silently to the exchanges, nodding in agreement with P'tran
and Jehrina's assessments.

Jehrina says "We'll pursue all the possiblities we can, Lal, believe me."

R'val bites his lip and squeezes Tinya's hand to keep from blurting out
something hasty.

Fashaylan suddenly finds Talia an interesting subject, trying to catch her
attention by making faces.

P'tran continues, "I just want to make it known that the Weyr's intent is
to stop these renegades raids. None of my riders have any orders to simply
kill them on sight."

Lal nods sincerely to Jehrina. "I hope so, ma'am. I mean....I used t'have
t'do things like that in me life afore. People are naw awways s'good
t'people who're....different."

Jehrina nods at Lal, "Understood."

N'ren idly comments, "Until they decide to shoot a large crossbow bolt
through a dragon's neck."

Talia turns her head just enough to see Fashaylan, laughing at the faces he
makes.

Lal sees herself standing up. as though on a pulpit. She sits down quickly.
"Thankee."

P'tran adds, "While I understand that some people have it difficult, we
don't think that they should be allowed to disrupt Hall, Hold, and Weyr."

Jehrina grimaces at N'ren, "I was there, thank you."

Lal whirls at N'ren. "Only if th' dragon's on 'em."

Alyssa swivels around to look in alarm at N'ren.

Cyrolin arches a brow.

R'val glances at N'ren, frowning, "They may not resort to such extremes.
Let us hope they don't."

N'ren replies to Jehrina, "So was I." He continues to bounce Talia gently.

Kindre frowns as the words become a bit bitter on the subject, then sighs,
as she turns her head back up to the Weyrleaders.

J'cob strides in from the bowl.

P'tran glances at the other riders and frowns. "Enough, please. I will not
tolerate this dissent at a time like this."

Tinya explodes, "Like Liath and I were on them, Lal? Is that what you mean?
It was _luck_ they didn't do anything worse than crack my arm! And I could
have died from _that_ if I'd bled just a little more." She flushes, glances
over her shoulder at P'tran, murmurs, "Sorry," and subsides.

R'val squeezes Tinya's hand, and murmurs in her ear gently.

Fashaylan smiles at Talia, and strokes her bouncing cheek, attempting to
ignore the tension in the room.

Lal flinches in alarm. But she responds carefully. "I doubt they meant t'do
that, Tinya. But I cin see why yer upset."

Alyssa turns back around, shoving her hands in her hide jacket pockets and
paling at the reminder of Torinth and Tinya and their misfortunes with the
renegades....and unhappy at the angry voices.

Cyrolin blinks, and looks a bit nervous at the 'discussion', wondering
where the unity went.

P'tran pauses a moment for some semblance of order to be restored before
continuing. "At a time like this, the Weyr does not need to start fighting
itself."

Lal turns to looking to her ring, preferring against a confrontation for once.

Alyssa murmurs to herself, "We don't need that at *any* time..."

Asrai raise her hand, "Sir, may I speak?" . o O <Wow, bold today aren't we?>

P'tran says "The goal right now is to stop the renegade raids. Then once
that is done we will see to the disposition of the renegades. Let us attack
one problem at a time."

Kindre nods quietly at Alyssa's words.

P'tran looks over to Asrai and nods. "Yes, Asrai, though after that I think
we better wrap this up."

Caitria nods to Alyssa, brow furrowed a bit. As Asrai speaks, she quirks an
eyebrow, but turns her attention to the girl.

Benden Weyr> F'hlan peers. Weyrmeet almost done?

Benden Weyr> T'lar says, "Almost, F'hlan. Timing is pretty good."

Benden Weyr> Jehrina says, "Come on down. ;)"

Lily does her best to ignore the tension among the riders, shifting her
attention to the happy child bouncing in N'ren's arms. Talia seems
enchanted by the bouncing and by the attention from Fashaylan.

Kassima looks towards Alyssa and nods wholehearted agreement, staying quiet
for the nonce in interest of not missing anything spoken.

F'hlan strides in from the bowl.

Lal nods to F'hlan vaguely.

F'hlan, if we are IC, steps quietly into the room, bedecked in his riding
gear and looking tired, but carrying his daughter Mehlani.

Asrai stands once more, looking at the WL, "I know the people in the caves
of Lemos...if there is a group going there I think I might be able to give
them a few tips on how to get them to cooperate more easily. They can be
quite helpful if approached properly. Not all holdless are like the
renagades."

Asrai sits back down again quickly.

Jehrina nods to Asrai, "We'll take that under consideration as well."

Krys strides in from the bowl.

P'tran nods to Asrai. "That's a good point, there *is* a difference between
renegades and holdless, and I'll keep that in mind."

Kassima salutes F'hlan silently, then nods to herself in a thoughtful
manner as she listens to Asrai.

In F'hlan's arms, Mehlani looks solemnly around, clinging to her father's
neck as he sits down.

Ofira waves Krys over to an empty seat near her.

Cyrolin raises her hand nervously.

Krys moves silently to Ofiras' side, her eyes wide at the comment she just
heard.

Asrai smiles slightly at thw WL, before trying to become inconspicuous once
more.

Lal smiles gently at Mehlani, then peeks at Talia. She goes back to her ring.

Tinya sits somewhat stiffly, one hand clasping R'val's tightly, her eyes
fixed on the table inches in front of her.

P'tran nods to Cyrolin. "Yes, Cyrolin, and then we'll wrap it up."

R'val leans into Tinya and squeezes her hand, reassuring her quietly

Fashaylan sends a smiles Mehlani's way, and taps the tip of Talia's tiny
nose before settling back in his post, protecting Mum and Master Lily's legs.

In F'hlan's lap, Mehlani looks slightly less solemnly at Lal and Fashaylan,
in that order; her father pays sharp attention to the Weyrleader.

N'ren grins at Fashaylan, and leans over, whispering, "Would you like to
hold her?"

Cyrolin looks around nervously. "Well...I've noticed that riders are like
family..a close knit group. But it's sad that tinya had to be on the
receiving end of that bolt. But you need to stop, and calm down, instead of
getting riled and going off half-bent out of shape. Your nerves won't
haldle it, and your Lifemates will get upset. Maybe a break, and some
relaxing will get things into better perspective? And you can approach
things with clear heads?"

P'tran nods to Cyrolin and grins. "I could not have said that better
myself. The last thing we need is a Weyr full of tense riders."

Fashaylan looks back up at N'ren, and glances at Lily, then back at N'ren,
"Could i?" he whispers.

Cyrolin blushes. "Thank you, Sir."

Kethran nods to Cyrolin. "Hear, hear. It was starting to sound like there
wouldn't be /enough/ of those raiders left, when they're caught, for the
Harpers to try."

Ofira chews a fingernail as she gestures to Krys not to fidget.

R'val nods towards Cyrolin, with a smile towards the journeyman of his
former craft.

N'ren lifts Talia off his lap, and says, "Here you go. Be careful with her,
though."

Lily chuckles softly at the whispered conversation between the brownrider
and her fosterling. She nods, "Of course you may, Fash. Just remember to be
careful."

Kassima quips under her breath, with a wry smile, "Nay to mention tense
dragons; I think the proddy greens give us all of those we need."

Cyrolin chuckles at Kassi's remarks.

Talia wriggles as she is transferred from Daddy to Brother, but she coos
nevertheless, patpatting with her little hands.

Kindre smirks, snickering softly at Kassima.

Portock grins at his former apprentice and nods.

K'tyn glances at Kethran, a slight frown marring his brow, though he laughs
easily enough at Kassima's very true words.

P'tran looks out over the room. "I think that will conclude that. The
riders that want to volunteer for the patrol can meet me in the bowl"

[Editor's Note:  At this point the weyrmeet went OOC, so the log ends.]