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Tell Me a Story


Date:  November 21, 2004
Place:  Master Beasthall's Apprentice Lounge
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:  A familial errand takes Kassima to Master Beasthall,
where she and M'rek so recently raided Master Learan's supply of 
scotch and the greenrider had the chance to become better acquainted
with Journeywoman Cailin.  The scotch isn't there to greet her, but 
Cailin is, and the two women wile away the afternoon talking about 
stories of one kind or another.

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The Log:

You stoop, and enter the poorly-lit lounge.

Meandering into the Lounge, Kassi slaps her gloves idly against one hand
and turns her head this way and that to look about; the last time she was
here, after all, she was a bit distracted by the Quest for the Holy Scotch.
"Duties t'Beastcraft and her Masters," she offers in a pleasant, even
cheerful manner to the dish-clearing auntie. "Hope nay anyone minds if'n I
sit and wait here a time?" Her eyes pick out an empty chair even as she
asks, and she heads towards it, but doesn't sit yet.

Cailin's just entering from the Hallway. Her hands burden free for once as
she has them both preoccupied with gathering her loose hair up in the back,
and then twisting the locks into. well, a knot. She looks up at the
greeting, her hands falling to her sides as she gives a smile, "G'afternoon
Kassima. Beastcraft's duties to Telgar and her queens."

Kassima twists about to see who's addressed her, flashing a bright smile
when she catches sight of Cailin. "Duties t'Beastcraft, her Masters, and
yourself, Cailin," she semi-repeats. "Afternoon. Would I be a terrible
plague if'n I dawdled about here for a time? I'm being transportation for
that cousin I told you about--Master Jessamyne--and she's supposed t'get
back t'me once she's spoken with a few people t'tell me how long she'll be
staying on and when she'll need her lift back. But given Jessa and how
distracted she gets when she looks at, talks about, or thinks about
runners, I'm anticipating *that* might take awhile."

Cailin laughs lightly as she crosses the room and waves to the seats, "Oh
your more than welcome to pass the time here. I'm afraid we have nothing so
grad to off as refreshment as last time." Her eyes alight with that
comment, but she continues smoothly on, "But if you'd like, I'm sure we
could manage some of the better of the standard fair." - "Your cousin is
here now? Oh well I'll look forward to catching up with her at some point
then. I'm sure we'll drive half the Hall crazy with the likes of pedigrees
for how ever long she is about. How've you been?"

"That's all right. Don't tell M'rek," Kassi laughs, settling into one of
the indicated seats, "but I don't *always* ransack the best liquor when I
visit a place. Which isn't t'remotely say 'twould turn down the
better-than-standard! If'n 'twouldn't be an impinging on the Hall's
hospitality, naturally." Crossing her legs, she gives an amused snort and
nods confirmation. "She wanted some time away from the Hold and her family.
Can't say I blame her. So she's arranging a brief stay at the Hall, a
sevenday or two, t'study up on pedigrees and discuss business with people
who'll understand what the shard she's talking about. I'm sure she'll be
thrilled when she finds you--I did mention your name. I've been all right.
Haven't been in the middle of any grand catastrophes lately, believe it or
nay given the company I keep." She winks. "What of yourself?"

"Not a word of it. I swear." Cai says with amusement, "And I'm sure Learan
will be glad to know you don't always. Not that he's mentioned anything of
the last time, but he doesn't often break such out, I can tell you." She
catches an apprentice and, then glances to Kassima before sending the other
on their way, "Juice, cider? Or is tea or klah more your liking? I'm afraid
what's in here has been sitting a bit by this time of day, you see." Then
nodding she adds, "Well we'll be glad to have her. And I, for one know well
the needs of the occasional get away. I don't take many myself that can't
be reached by runner however." She laughs then, "No catastrophes? Oh dear.
Not enough M'rek time then? And me? Well, things have been mostly as they
are. Busy making sure that things run to the Craftmaster's liking, of course."

Kassima raises her brows, clearly surprised. "I'truth? Well, but I
should've guessed it--there can't be *that* many bottles so good on Pern,
else nay anyone would ever drink aught else." Her sigh is a little
reminiscent. "Still, I hadn't realized he so honored us. I wonder why. Oh,
juice or cider either one would be fine--I'm nay much of a klah person.
Don't tell me you don't know any riders who'd give you lifts out when you
need t'be escaping?" Grinning, she denies the next question: "Just saw him
the other day! But believe it or nay, we didn't get into *much* trouble.
Just got drunk on Healer liquor and then wandered over t'Harper t'sing
Rodric a bawdy serenade. Amazingly, we're alive anyway. D'you assist Learan
these days, then?"

Cailin sends the apprentice on their way to find what they will, then turns
back to Kassima and takes a seat of her own, "Can't say as I know. He's not
a regular drinker, really. More inclined to come in here and drink what the
rest do." She inclines her head then to the table and grins, "I can't say
there is much of anything I wont drink, but I can't call myself a
connoisseur of anything in particular." She chuckles, "Oh, I know a rider
or two. My sister even is one, but I don't really care to between unless I
must. I just never favored the experience." Then with a lift of a brow,
"You sang a bawdy song to the Masterharper? Oh that must have been
something. I've not seen Master Rodric for a spell. How is he?" The last
gets a nod, "I excepted a position as his aid a few months back."

Kassima's nod is thoughtful. "Whatever his reason, 'twill take it as honor
and appreciate it. And certes remember him fondly for it. I really don't
know him very well, but he seems the epitome of courtesy." 'Courtesy'
evidently being defined, in this case, as 'willingness to break out the
good stuff for random visiting riders.' "I like t'think of m'self as a
connoisseur of everything--would you like some of the booty from our
ransack of Healer? I don't have many bottles left, but there are a few,"
and the greenrider digs around in her pocket until she comes up with a very
small bottle of what's presumably alcohol. "After the Hall was so generous
t'us, it only seems fitting t'repay in some measure. *Between* is certes
disconcerting. One of those things I don't know whether you can ever get
entirely used to." She twirls the tiny bottle around in her fingers and
nods confirmation. "Aye... with Apprentices and a Journeywoman present.
Thankfully we just entertained him. But he *blushed*, if'n you can credit
it--who'd ever have thought he could? The last I saw him, he was very
well." The woman flashes a smile for that. "Although always busy. There's a
handfasting at Keroon coming up that he's writing music for, I believe...
ah! That's an honor of a kind, isn't it?"

"He's a good man." Cailin agrees readily enough, though she doesn't
elaborate there as she moves on, "I suppose I always had rather simple
tastes, though I appreciate the finer things as well. -- You brought some?
Well, I'd not say no to the sharing of such with a friend after all." She
nods again, "I deal with it when I must, but I don't look for excuses to
have to *between*." The details of the visit with Rodri causes her to
laugh, "Oh my. Blush did he? My my. I wouldn't have thought it of him. But
I'm glad enough he's well. He seems an interesting man. A 'fasting at
Keroon you say? someone special, I'd guess. If he's the one writing." A
simple shrug of her shoulder then, "I suppose it could be in some eyes. He
needed someone, and I was free to fill the position just now at least."

Kassima sets the small bottle on the table and nudges it 'til it's within
Cailin's reach. "Nay very much," she apologizes, "I know, but there's a
kick to it despite the size. In a way 'tis better thus--just enough t'give
a bit of the alcohol glow without getting you drunk. If'n you stick to one
or two. If'n you get in a how-many contest with M'rek... well, you can
likely imagine. Will *between* be a problem if'n you come to the concert?
I'd like t'offer straight flight, but from here t'Telgar really isn't
practical." With a bright grin, she nods and confirms, "He did! And he is.
The sort of person who's interested in everyone and everything he comes in
contact with, methinks, which does befit a Masterharper. There've been
rumors about Lady Naomi wedding one of these days, a'course. But I can't
claim t'know too much of Keroon matters." This last gets another nod.
"Still. Even if'n availability was a part of it, he must trust you a
measure. Nay that I imagine such thoughts make dealing with the hidework I
have a sneaking suspicion must be involved easier."

Cailin gathers up the offered bottle and looks it over with a smile of
thanks, and then lifts a brow, "Knowing M'rek. I can just guess how many
you all might have had if there was no limit, eh?" She grins with that,
then lifts a brow, "No. It'll be fine for the concert. I'll between. I have
more than a few times before. I just don't like it much." The other brow
lifts with the first then, "Lady Naomi's at last, eh? My my. Yes. That
would merit the Craftmaster's attention, I'm sure. And I suppose it would
benefit him, yes." Then with a nod, "Let's just say we trust each other,
aye. And aye again. It is a bit of a challenge to see who will give whom
more hide work. We should start keeping score."

Flashing a wry grin, Kassima agrees, "Nay limit. So 'tis really as well we
*did* get distracted by the run over t'Harper, although we kept drinking on
the road, so... again, surprised we're still alive. At least nay anyone
ended up with a black eye." She nods to the Herder woman, pleased. "Good;
I'm glad. Current rumor says mayhaps a couple of months hence is when
'twill be. I really am looking forward to it. 'Twould think Lady Naomi's,
for the Masterharper t'be doing the composing, but he was a bit vague about
it. Has she nay been engaged for rather a long time?" The greenrider,
laughing, suggests, "Why don't you? Start keeping a tally-sheet--or,
shells, post a sheet here in the Lounge. And let Apprentices bet on who'll
win the hidework race. Might be entertaining."

Cailin shakes her head, "M'rek astounds me daily that he has managed to
avoid getting himself killed in any number of ways. So I have to say, I
don't find it too shocking he'd pick a drinking companion that might be
able to keep up." She gives a wink for that and then nods, "It's been
rather drawn out, and I wont pretend I know the why of it, but there were
rumors aplenty. But they are so conflicting that I daren't even hazard the
truth behind them." She pauses as the apprentice returns with the drinks
and then thanks him before turning back with the glasses an the pitcher of
the juice, "There's a thought. I'll have to suggest it to him, see what he
thinks. Course, the whole matter might just cause extra work, but it might
be worth it, eh?"

Kassima confides, "Sometimes I suspect that he *has* gotten himself killed
and just refuses t'lie down and die. It seems almost the only explanation.
Ach, you flatter me!" she then protests, laughing outright. "Me, keep up
with M'rek? 'Twill grant that I *try*. Someday we really must just drink
and drink until we're completely unconscious and see how much it takes,
instead of letting that 'common sense' or 'work t'do elsewhere' bother draw
us from the alcohol. Would it be a bad show of me t'be asking what some of
the rumors were?" Her brows slant upwards in curiosity. "Nay stake have I
in Keroon, but interesting tales of interesting happenings anywhere on
Pern... they interest me. Interestingly enough. Mayhaps you and he could
decide on some prize for the winner of the battle t'make it the more worth
it?" She too nods her thanks to the apprentice, flashing him a smile.

"You know. That wouldn't surprise me if that were the case. Him refusing to
die." Cailin smiles fondly for that, if a bit distantly, and then she looks
up, "You do have the reputation that few would doubt that you do, I'd
wager." She might be teasing a little with that, but maybe not, "I've only
seen M'rek that drunk once. The guards had to carry him from Vorlin's
chambers." She quiets a moment and then smiles, "He bounces back well
though, that one." She only distantly remarks, "Keroon is an interesting
place, at times." And then more thoughtfully, but once more amused, "Hmm.
Now that would be the thing. What would be the appropriate prize for the
situation..."

Kassima supposes, "Someday 'twill have t'be asking him about it, and asking
precisely *how many* times he's died. 'Twould nay be surprised in the least
if'n he's set a record in the world. Do I?" Her laughter suggests that the
idea amuses her; her query is curious: "I've a reputation that's reached as
far as here? I know what Learan said, but I still think he's exaggerating.
Well, never be minding. *There's* a tale 'twill have t'see if'n I can get
him t'tell, why he was getting as drunk as that in a Lord's rooms of all
places." There's just a touch of drollness to the statement. Enough to
suggest, perhaps, that she isn't holding her breath on actually getting the
story. Inclining her head and accepting the denial of more information on
Keroon, she moves to the other topic. "Something nay involving hidework,
certes. Is there aught you'd both want? Or you could vary the prizes, I
imagine, more like a grand wager. If'n *you* win, you get whatever you
want, and if'n he wins, he gets what he wants, that sort of thing."

"Now there would be a question or so. He's always telling me not to worry
about him though. He'll be fine." Cai doesn't look much like she believes
it, but she tries for an amused smile, "So Learan said anyway. And I did
see that bit at Bitra my self." She pauses and then shakes her head,
"Vorlin said he was already drunk when he got there. I think he just had
the last drink that pushed the point once he was there in the sitting
rooms." Maybe more than she would have said otherwise, "Aye, something with
out hide work, to be sure. I fear I have an idea what he'd want most of me,
or for me to give up perhaps. But I doubt he'd ask that. I'm not sure what
he'd chose as an alternative. Likewise, he knows what I most want, but I'm
not sure he'd grant me it either, so impasse. Maybe I'll just ask for a
vacation -- Or a bottle of that scotch."

Kassima rubs at her chin a moment, reaching for a glass of the juice.
"Against all odds," she says at length, slowly, "methinks he *might* be
fine. In the sense of nay dying, anyway. If'n ever a man 'twas born under a
lucky star, 'tis him; or if'n ever a man was born under a dark star and yet
managed t'dance away laughing anyway, 'tis him. That kind is hard t'kill.
Ach, now! The Bitra thing was a one-time." She pauses. "Methinks. If'n
someone offered me another twenty-five marks t'grovel... but how likely is
*that*. He went t'see the Lord completely blitzed?" The snort she gives
holds a sardonic amusement. "That doesn't sound entirely like a good idea.
It does, however, sound like M'rek. You might ask him whether he'd be
willing t'risk this thing... Learan, I mean; sometimes one ends up
surprised... but there are certes stakes that are too high for a sane
person t'wager. So. I don't suppose there's any chance that if'n you won
the bottle, you'd share a bit with the person who came up with the idea?"
Too amused to pull off a pleading look, she nevertheless attempts it even
with eyes dancing.

"Aye." Cailin agrees. "Never have I seen one so cursed and blessed all at
once than dear M'rek. Though I think the blessed is winning out that he's
lived so far." She smiles though, "I can understand taking the dare with
those stakes. Not my sort of thing, you understand, but still." She pauses
there though. Considering her word choices maybe, "He and the Lord are
something you'd have to ask him about. But I was there most of that
particular time. In the room." What ever she means by that, "If it's the
scotch for me, aye. I'll share in the take, to be sure. I think it better
to make the stakes be something we are both willing to afford, more than
what we -want-."

"Aye, and in that he seems t'have a perversely good time with life despite
everything else. Sometimes I almost envy him the sheer quantity of fun he
has; then I remember that I prefer m'nose unbroken." Kassima's eyes roll
affectionately at the foibles of bronzeriders. "Exactly. 'Tis why I did it,
for the bargain. That, and it amused me--I still think what she was paying
for was for me t'shame and humiliate m'self or the like; but I didn't feel
embarrassed at all. All those marks for something I don't know if'n she
knows she didn't get. Hard nay t'like a bargain like that." At least, hard
if one has Kassi's sense of humor. The greenrider takes a moment in
deciding how to reply to Cailin's comment. Eventually she decides on, "It
must've been an interesting spectacle?" Enough question in her tone to
suggest she'd like to know more, but the phrasing makes it easier to
bypass. "You're only too kind. 'Twould bless you forever. 'Twill say aye to
that--if'n you want t'gamble for what you *want*, rather than just what you
want," the emphasis on the first use of the word probably sufficient to
indicate a difference, "you generally have t'be willing t'lose large,
unless your desire happens t'be something the other party doesn't mind
giving."

Cailin shakes her head, but smiles, "I prefer to keep my nose unbroken and
that my friends do like wise, but I think it would do more harm than good
to keep him on too short a tether. He's one that one must have a certain
freedom to be." She smiles again, after a moment, "A good reason to take it
then, if it was worth the cost, then it was a prize worth getting. And if
it was amusing in the gaining, sounds a good deal for you, aye. I prefer
bargains that fall under those lines." She settles back in her chair,
considers her reply and says, "He had a drink, he passed out. There wasn't
much there out of the ordinary." And if there is more to the story, looks
as if she keeps it close now, but it might be there was as she moves
smoothly on to the other, "I'll remember it then, if I do, Assuming that he
agrees. My luck is, he'll have me recopy that report he was looking at the
other day. We had a former Craftmaster with tiny handwriting that is a
strain on the eyes. but I've always been one to only gamble what I'm
willing to risk, unless the promise of the reward was so great that the
risks were worth any cost."

Kassima's agreement is slightly droll. "Oh, indeed. Recall how he perked up
when I offered him a fight? And I don't think he's even mad at me
currently, unless 'tis for nay letting him have all the little bottles.
That's one dragon who'll never be kept from flying." And she toasts the
absent man with a flourishing gesture of her juice glass. "Precisely--I
don't mind the sort of bargains that require risking pride and dignity for
marks, within limits. M'pride lies more in m'ability t'get people t'pay me
for the bloody stupidest things than in being unwilling t'do the bloody
stupidest things." Certainly her grin at the thought is cheerful enough.
"Mmm-hmm," is all she'll comment on the not-story. "Which Craftmaster was
that? Lorianne or Leara--or one of their predecessors? There's a truth in
that... a wise gambler can never *count on* winning. But if'n you're
desperate enough, I imagine you could throw it all in anyway and just ride
the fortune-wheel."

Cailin nods slowly, "I remember. I worry about that in him, but it's his
way and he'd really resent me if I tried to stop his battles. I don't
really even dare ask him to have a care too much any more, for I fear he
resents that too. Mayhap I'm wrong, but he is one I would wish to stay on
good terms with." She drinks her from own glass then, "I choose based on
what I'd stand to loose and what there is to gain, but then I suppose we
all do. Each case is one of those that needs to be taken in and evaluated
on it's own." She gives a small smile then, her gaze a bit distant before
she answers the last. Master Voon. A predecessor, yes. From long ago. And
I've never counted on winning, but I always tried to make sure I didn't
walk away empty handed either."

"'Twould be surprised if'n there's any changing him. I don't know. I don't
know him," Kassi confesses after a sip of juice, "so well as all
that--we've gotten drunk together a few times, mostly. But there are
battles and there are battles... mayhaps in the important fights, he
wouldn't resent a bit of concern for him. Who's t'be saying?" She gives a
helpless shrug to indicate her ignorance. "Aye. Those things mostly. 'Twill
admit t'sometimes--now and then--being tempted by a foolish wager just for
the story 'twould give me if'n I won or lost. A good tale can be a win too,
of a kind." Nodding, she admits, "I don't know the name. Master Lorianne's
the first I remember; I only recall for certain seeing her the once.
Interesting woman. Aye; nay gain of any kind can suggest games ill-played."

"I wouldn't try changing him. It's better to let him be, really. Just let
him work out his life on his own. That little chit of a greenrider at
Reaches tried to change him." Cailin -clearly- has a high opinion of that
one. she nods slowly, "Maybe not. I just really don't presume to judge in
some things. I dislike being anyone's burden, but I've been his for some
time now. it's not always the best of both worlds I expect." She smiles for
the latter, "I've never taken the wager for just a story. Now that is an
interesting way to see it though." And with the last, "Craftmaster Voon was
well before her time. Well before. And Master Lorianne was before my time."

Kassima arcs a brow and wonders, "Which one was that? He's mentioned a
greenrider or two, but nay in that fashion. I don't think. What, you think
he considers you a burden?" Puzzlement there. She brightens as she tells,
"I love stories. That's what makes it worth it t'me. T'have stories, t'hear
stories, t'be *in* stories--that way lies immortality, with the last.
A'course I'd prefer having only good or at least comical stories, but
precious few lives go that way. Ah, I needn't feel guilty about nay knowing
his name then. He was certes a'fore mine. Craftmaster Lorianne nearly was.
The occasion on which I saw her... 'twas after the incident which affected
her wits. She brought a chicken to a handfasting and pet and talked to it
all through the ceremony. 'Tis one of those things that certes does make
you recall having seen the person in question, if'n naught else."

"The child." Cailin states in clearifying, then adds with a wrinkled nose,
"Caritha." It's then she gives Kassima a long, speculative look, "Has he
told you -- The identity of my son's father?" Curiosity and expectation
there, before the smile, "I never really took the time to enjoy them, I
expect. I've always had my focus on duty and then family. I do like the
sound of that. Immortality through stories. I suppose my way of seeking it
was through my work, and my son." She arches a brow again for the last,
then shifts her gaze to the portrait in the room before looking back. "A
chicken. Of all things...Why a chicken."

"I don't think I've met... oh. Wait. Does she ride a green named Semirath?"
Kassima doesn't sound too certain of this. There's a pause from her before
she answers the question--shaking her head, but her words go against that.
"Aye and nay. He didn't, precisely; what he told me was that there was a
Herder, and she was the mother of his child--nay his-M'rek's; y'know. Only
knew of one Herder at Bitra, and a bit of investigating confirmed who'd
been posted there last, so. Nay hard t'piece together. Does that have
something t'do with this blood oath M'rek made nay t'be fighting you?"
She's not entirely inept at piecing clues together. "Sometimes life doesn't
allow much time t'focus on other things. Sometimes, though, I've found
m'self trying t'*force* life to allow it, lest I go mad. I do think you
might achieve a certain place in stories if'n you haven't already, given
givens--but children, aye." Her smile is brief, but warm. "That's another
form of it. By bringing new life, one can theoretically change the world
after all." Following Cailin's eyes with her own, she has to admit, "I
really don't know. It seemed t'be some sort of pet. Mayhaps she was fond of
them, as you say Learan is with the ferrets?"

Cailin waves a hand dismissively, "That might have been the name. Spoiled
chit of a Weyrleaders' daughter. Thinks she has the right to have things
her way because of who she is." She merely nods, then softly says, "Some
things it's better not to advertise, but aye, Cain is His child." Capital
and all, "That would be why M'rek can't fight with me." She drinks from her
glass again, "I've had plenty to keep me preoccupied from stories, but you
think so? Well, mayhap. I still feel like a simple herder who's waiting for
her day to come, or end. Either way, if that makes sense." Yet she smiles,
"Aye, children were never a way I'd considered before, but I'd never go
without now." She does nod, "Leara and Learan had that in common. Ferrets."

Kassima snaps her fingers in recognition. "*That* one! He's mentioned her,
but nay by name. What a bloody strange outlook that is. Weyrleaders aren't
Lords and Ladies; they don't lead by right of blood--well, but nay need
t'tell you that. I only wonder that her parents didn't step on that sort of
thing a long time ago." A flicker of smile follows. "Methinks I take your
meaning. M'rek did seem fond of you, best I could tell... he might nay care
t'fight you anyway. If'n you aren't the fighting kind. And if'n he is fond,
then 'burden' might be contested." Her chin dips in a nod of firm belief.
"I do think it. A'course, whether those stories will be stories you'd
*want* t'be in by the time they reach an ending... scarce something I could
say; but I'm going t'hazard that you've already gained something precious
from your place in them, whatever happens next. I hope they go well for
you, though. One way or another. Your day is rather young t'be ending yet."
This other topic is an easier, brighter one to speak of. "Certes something
I ken. I didn't expect m'first at all. Didn't think I wanted any, aye? But
now I'd nay trade a one of 'em, or say nay to another if'n fate granted,
which just goes t'show what a masochist I am."

Cailin wrinkles her nose again, "-That- one, aye. I half wish I'd gotten my
chance at her when I had the chance for what she did to him. He has enough
things on his plate without the foolish troubles she caused. I don't know
what it was that her parents thought. Maybe they were too busy for her?"
She pauses then and nods, "I'm fond of him too. But I've had no wish to
fight with him. It's not that I wouldn't fight, but not him. I'd be glad to
night be a burden either, but I don't presume too much." She smiles
lightly, then nods, "Aye, I would hope the day still young and the tail not
done. I'm still looking forward to the next chapter after all, what ever it
might be." One can hope she has an idea at least, "I was never one for
ferrets, but better them than chickens to be sure."

"What did she do?" Kassi has to ask. "Beyond be a snobby brat by the sound
of it, which is bad enough on its own. If'n her parents were too busy,
whoever fostered her should've done something. I swear. Several of
m'children have had high-ranking fathers, and if'n I caught one of them
being a snot about it--" The disgusted face she makes implies that it would
bode no well for that child. "I'd nay want t'fight him in seriousness
either. In play, now; in spirit--it might be fun. He'd probably trounce me,
but even that's a story." She in fact seems almost fond of the idea. "'Tis
understandable--if'n he's any sort of friend, he'd tell you that you aren't
whatever the case, anyway. Can't deny that I also look forward t'hearing
more of the general story when fortune's written it. I haven't a vested
interest, but--there's a fascination there. You ken, I'm sure. Oh!" she
exclaims, startled, then starts to laugh. "I didn't mean ferrets! Sorry,
that's my confusion. I meant children. Though I didn't expect m'first and
only ferret either, come to that. At least chickens taste good, if'n
'tisn't crass of me t'say so to a Herder."

"She tried to make him be what she wanted, rather than let him be who he
was." Cailin replies with a simple enough summary, but her tone carries
more of her distaste. "I know little enough of Reaches though, but a bit of
my sister and her family there, M'rek of course and a few others. Matheny
though I've met. She seemed more down to earth than most, the bit I saw of
her. Though there was talk about the Hall of her wanting a llama or
something." For the other she lowers her voice, "I'd not risk him by
fighting, even in play. He's been to good to Cain and I, in truth." She
smiles then, "It might well be a tale someday. For good or ill, I can't
say. I hope for good." Says she that spawned with Evil? Then flushing,
"Ahh, well. I was never one for children, before trying to have Cain of
course. An d aye, chickens do taste good at least. Rather like wherry, but
more tender I think, don't you?"

Kassima hazards, looking not exactly all that impressed by the absent
greenrider either, "He must've cared for her quite a lot t'put up with that
even for awhile? I'm nay saying anyone's perfect and mightn't do better
sometimes t'change in some way, but we are who we are, essentially. The
very nature doesn't change. That'd be your sister who's a rider? I don't
know many at the 'Reaches anymore--the man who rides the clutchsire there
now, though, he's a friend of mine, so I might have t'visit more oft."
Pause. "Why exactly did she want a llama?" Some questions just beg to be
asked. After refreshing her glass from the pitcher, she grants in quieter
fashion, "I can be understanding that. He does seem an essentially good
man. 'Twill hope for good also--for you, and for the Hold, and for the
sweep area entire. 'Twill also hope for interesting... only I don't think
there's any question of that. Aye, that's what I mean, that 'twas so with
Kaylira, m'eldest. Although I didn't try t'have her per se." A black
eyebrow twitches a little to invite clarification on that point, but could
easily be missed--on purpose or not. "Aye. At Boll they have this wonderful
dish--chicken in a lemon sauce served with rivergrains. 'Tis practically
melting in your mouth. Any time I actually eat there, that's what I get."

Cailin shakes her head and then stops herself, She considers her answer
carefully and than answers, "Impressed together, I think." Not really an
answer, "I think there are certainly better out there for him than her."
She nods then, "Aye, my sister that's a rider. Amilin. The other two are
looking to the Weavercraft. I know very few at the Weyr. Who's the clutch
sire then?" She chuckles though, "A turnday gift for the Weyrleader I
heard. Learan talked her into a pair of ferrets instead. Selected them
himself I believe." Her voice softer as she agrees, "He is a good man. And
I too hope for good things for the Hold and the sweeps area, all that. And
interesting works." - "Never saw myself the mother type. Too busy, but the
time was right." And that's all she gives in that moment, "I'll have to try
that sometime. At Boll you say? I wonder if my cousin knows of it."

"Clutchmates do sometimes grow to be affectionate." Kassima doesn't look so
much less puzzled, but is willing--for now--to go with this not-answer as
theory. "'Twould wager you a ten mark piece he'd agree with that sentiment
too. Certes 'twill m'self. He deserves someone he can be happy with,
whatever that means. I've met Amilin." The greenrider smiles at the name.
"Only a time or two, but we've at least one mutual friend. V'lano, bronze
Volath's, a rider from our own newest clutch. He'd nay been tapped yet when
Volath caught Lhiannonth, if'n you can credit it. Life's certes interesting
for him these days." She can only shake her head at the notion of a llama
for the Weyrleader, and marvel into her juice, "People get people the
*strangest* things--admittedly, I should know. That's the way it works
sometimes. With children, I mean. Although some people really aren't
parent-types... aye, Boll," she confirms, "at the Lava Lounge. You've a
cousin there? Or at Weaver?"

Cailin doesn't seem willing to say more on the matter past, "So I hear."
Might as well have been, ask him. "I'd hope so at least. And he does." She
arches a brow then, "Have you? From I'sai?" She takes the guess that seems
to amuse her, "V'lano...hmm. I think I've heard the name, but might just be
someone said his dragon caught. Maybe Amarie though, if he was in that
group. She stood with them, didn't she? Borrowed a dress for me for their
graduation." She smiles then, "Aye. Quite strange if you ask me." - "I
guess so. I never believed it when someone said 'you'll feel different when
it's yours', til it was." A shake of the head, "At Ista, a Baker there."

Kassima nods at the name given, smiling as she so often does when that
person is mentioned. "Aye--a longtime friend of mine, and methinks nearly
as long of hers if'n memory doesn't misserve. I'm guessing you know him
too," with amusement for Cailin's amusement. "Amarie might've told. She
knows about the flight; teased him, when 'twere all at the Lounge for a
space. She did--and that was your dress? I vaguely recall it. M'mind was a
bit... nay at its clearest, at the time." To say the very least. "There's
probably something chemical in it. Even dragons seem fond of their
offspring for so long as they *remember* 'tis their offspring. I like
children well enough regardless of whose they are when they're
halfway-behaved, but I'd only put up with certain of motherhood's delights
for m'own, you'd better believe. Oh, aye?"

"He escorted me to a dinner once, at Bitra. He...Ahh, didn't know who I was
related to until then. It was quite an evening you could say." And thought
Cailin's words start out amused her expression turns a little haunted at
the last of them and she shakes her head as if to clear it, "He's a
friend." Then a nod, "She and I don't talk a lot, but there is often talk
in this room of various sorts. And aye, mine. We're the same size it turns
out. Wore the same gown to the Craftmasters handfasting myself. Not had
much call for it since. Didn't fit me during that dinner for example,
around the waist mostly." Pregnancy does that, "Well. I suppose I'll have
to wait to see if there will be more to follow Cain." She nods then,
"Kaimi. The other black ovine of the family."

Kassima starts to nod agreeable acknowledgment, but that hauntedness is
difficult to miss; it sets her mental wheels spinning until an idea clicks
into place. Cautiously, "Was that the occasion when...? Nay that I'sai told
me about that dinner. He hasn't told me much about Bitra, ever." And though
her tone is carefully neutral, that fact alone might be enough to suggest
she's not entirely happy about that. "Our Living Cavern is like that. Aye.
I love beautiful gowns, but they're a bit expensive really when you
consider how seldom one gets the chance t'be wearing them. D'you think
you'd want more?" Then, "Kaimi! I've met her too. Another friend of Is's,
a'course, and she was at a dinner the Weyrleader held nay so very long
agone. Which one would be the first black ovine?"

"When Eduardo fell to his death...aye. That was the dinner. And I'm not
surprised he didn't. He's...discrete." Cai smiles softly and then sighs,
"Ask what you will of it, if you like. I'll tell if I can." She smiles, "I
do love beautiful clothes myself, but I will stick with practical." She
pauses then to smile more crookedly then nod, "I could have more, and be
happy, aye." The last causes her to blinks, "Shards. He knows my cousin
too? Why am I not surprised?" And she's laughing. "Oh thank you for that. I
shall have to tease him at the right time for knowing her too. -- Me, of
course. Though she followed soon after."

"He is," Kassima murmurs, "but we've been close friends for... long. He
used t'tell me much." Enough said on that matter. "So a fall was it--what,
of the dinner? Or Bitra? I suspect what can't be told is precisely what I'm
curious about. What the deal is with these various women, why there's
evidently a maniac in bad shoes running around, why Lady Keroon seems so
unfond of Lord Bitra, what part Rodric's trying t'play in all this, why
M'rek's always breaking doors apparently... so on, so forth. M'rek tells me
some things, but there's always distraction. I haven't even shown him the
dragonpoker deck yet." This recital is pitched with care to not carry far
beyond either of them. "I wear practical usually. But I've sunk far too
many marks into the Weavercraft at this point. And Minercraft. And
Smithcraft, though that's for knives. 'Twill hope for more for you, then,
when the time is right again." She gives a slightly rueful smile in
exchange for the crooked one. "It seems so. I recall seeing 'em together
now and then. You're very welcome, and if'n his reaction to the tease is
entertaining I'd be obliged if'n you'd describe it later--what makes you a
black ovine? You paint a picture of yourself as very duty-focused,
family-focused. Certes you're a success in your Craft. Nay the usual marks
of the rogue daughter."

"Maybe he figured it was my tale to tell. Or maybe he's being careful for
you." Cailin suggests, "It's not a light thing, to get in too deep before
you know the all of it." She lets out a long breath, "Some of this I can
answer at least. Now lets see. The dinner was to be just one of those
things. Vorlin invited some ladies he knew, and then invited them to bring
escorts. Now for me, I had limited options in who to take. You see, I was
pregnant, and showing as such. I admit I asked him on a whim, and I'sai
came for Craftmaster Myriana's fine food more than for me I expect. He
already knew the father of my child. There were two sisters from Reaches
that used to poke around after him when he was Steward there. One of them
brought M'rek as their escort. The goldrider brought a brownrider friend of
hers. Started with an R I think. Then there was Luni, and her rider escort
from Igen, Gerome of course, was escorting his cousin Melenie. A pair of
holders I didn't recognize were also there and Eduardo, as the steward, was
seeing to the serving of the dishes. Vorlin escorted no one. Just before
dessert, there was a fuss in the great hall. Eduardo and Gerome went to
deal with it, and on his return, Eduardo fell against the banister, and it
broke." She pauses there, "What of Bitra? And I think you know about as
much about the woman in the bad shoes as I do. I've not met her, I just
know of what you two told me and what I can suppose. The various women? You
mean the Flock? Lady Naomi seemed to get along with him, last I saw them
together, just a bit after the dinner. Rodric, I can't say. M'rek? Well, he
gets impatient when there is a door in his way and the Lord is the one
having to fit the bill to fix it." She keeps her voice low for it all, but
casually so, then smiles, "My family tends to provide my gowns. Some are
from Amilin, others my parents. But mostly I wear practical. The rest I
have little enough of." A smile then for more, "Thanks." A simple reply,
"I'll be sure to remember the details, aye, and me? Why, I left the
tradition of Weavers to chase runners."

"Aye, but ignorance isn't so much less dangerous," Kassi points out,
without real rancor but with a certain wryness. "How d'you know what
questions you can ask and which ones will lead to disaster, without trying?
And that's just the tip of the iceberg. So far as I know I've nay offended
anyone or caused trouble, but that may be because I don't have the vested
interest." May be. Vested or no, though, she does have a general interest,
and leans forward a little to fold her arms on the table as she listens.
"If'n Is thought there was either danger for you or simply an interesting
show in it, he'd have gone for those reasons. Curious that 'twas a ladies'
affair. Golder might be Josilina? That'd make the brownrider... aye, and
she brought M'rek, that makes sense. What was the fuss? And so 'twas an
accident then." It's not a question--but not exactly a confident statement
either. "Aye, them. Those women. Seems there's probably a story behind each
of those, if'n nay a scheme of some kind. Lady Naomi seemed... t'go
distant, when Bitra was mentioned, at Harper's Turnover gathering, which is
why I wondered about her. Does he do it specifically t'rack up marks, then?
And he's still alive *why*?" She can't help but sound a little entertained
on that last question. "Weaver-kin, now that makes sense. I'm envious. I've
two cousins in the Craft and they take m'commissions and provide discounts
from time t'time, but they never gift me outright. So is your entire line
full of Weavers?"

"Depends on the situation. If you don't know enough to be curious, you
might not get drawn in. Who's to say?" Cailin replies, "There are inherent
dangers in everything we all do, day to day. But it might be be, aye,
you've just stayed clear of the dangers and risks so far." She pauses to
add or correct here and there, "I suspect it could have been many things
that interested I'sai enough to come. He knew several parties there, though
I expect he didn't know they would be, any more than I did. Josilina, aye
and her sister Sria rides a brown, aye. I didn't sit close enough to
Josilina's date to get to know him, but he seemed quite taken with her, and
she seemed to rely on him. And that seems the question on most minds. Was
it an accident? I didn't see the start of the fall. Just..." She closes her
eyes a moment, then adds, "You'll have to ask I'sai what he thought of the
railing. I never got to see it, but he got a good look." A nod as she goes
on, "His great aunt Verity brought them all there. She wants him to pick
one, wed and produce heirs." Funny, it's the herder that has one, and yet
she's not Flock? "And many of them have simple stories. They don't wish to
be there, they dream of marrying a Lord with no clue what that would be
like. Most of them don't realize how lucky they would be not to land him.
He isn't an easy man for an innocent to manage. They would be consumed in
no time at all. Some though, they scheme, connive and might well be worth
watching your back with." She arches a brow though, "She goes distant? When
the Hold is mentioned, or it's Lord?" She chuckles about M'rek, "I'm not
sure if that's why. Maybe just because he can. As to why he's still alive?
Maybe he's just lucky that way." And you might guess from her expression,
she knows more, but on discussing M'rek, there seem places she wont go. "My
whole line except, Kaimi, Amilin and myself for the girls, and my eldest
brother Camair. He's a tanner of sorts. Makes tooled leather and wherhide
vests, flight leathers, that sort of thing. So he branched out. But Amilin
and my parents are the gifting kind. Mostly Am's there."

Kassima allows, "A point. Yet when 'tis involving a change in regime over
an area--'tisn't that 'tis *hard* t'stay entirely ignorant, but it seems
unwise. The Weyr should care about relations with its Holds and Halls." Her
shoulders roll in a shrug. "I'truth, I'm nay sure how much danger there is
for me personally. Unless I did something phenomenally stupid. I can't
provide aught dangerous that anyone would want, which seems a kind of
safety." Or maybe she just lacks self-preservational skills. "Starts with
R. Might be R'sel, I suppose, from the hints Yselle's dropped. What's
perhaps most telling or interesting," and she's back to that careful voice,
"is that 'twould be a question. Whether 'twas accident or nay, the
possibility that 'twasn't--nay that I can think offhand of a good reason
t'go about killing Stewards. I never met the man, though. Perhaps 'twill be
asking Is indeed; if'n he knows I already know some things, he might be a
little more forthcoming." Yeah, good luck on that one, Kassi. "Right, I
knew that much. Seems as if'n he's sort of gotten around that--aye? Could
be ideal for him. Yet there were still women there when we visited,
thinking he'd choose one t'marry. I... did get the impression from M'rek
that many of 'em may be trying poor tactics in that battle; and that Lord
Vorlin has a certain power of personality." She's evidently tonight's
narrator for Understatement Theater. "As well as intelligence--mayhaps
both. I mentioned when she asked after the sweep area that Bitra in
particular seemed t'be thriving under its new Lord, and she seemed
t'withdraw a bit from that topic. Made me wonder." On M'rek, she'll go back
to possible understatement. "Aye--and he has his own power of personality,
that one. That's really something else. I can't imagine having a whole
family in one profession. D'your kin consinder Camair a black ovine too, or
is being a Tanner close enough for comfort?"

"I know little of the ways of the Weyr and what they chose to pay attention
to. Reaches always seemed involved in our lives at Bitra, but most of the
ones that I would see, I'd be glad enough if they never returned." Cailin
considers the other woman then nods, "You're probably at rams length enough
you've little worry as yet." Then nodding again, "R'sel. That was it. I
didn't think she as going to let go of his arm and let him sit." A pause
and she says, "Eduardo was a likable enough man. Perhaps a bit free with
his hands or comments around the ladies, but I had no fault with him at
least." She chuckles then, "Vorlin does have a certain way about him, and
it's not like he's wed yet, so he still a catch there. Besides, wouldn't a
legitimate heir seem better to most than an illegitimate to some, even if
the latter is first born? And some have there traps. Some might even have
small victories, but not have the handfasting." She hmms softly, "She
always seemed fine when I saw her, other than when Gerome hassled her and
Lady Rose." For M'rek as well, she smiles again "He has his own charm, and
unique talents." With the last, a shoulder shrug as she refills her glass,
"Not back generation maybe, but most all the immediate family. And no. Ma
never counted him as one. He was spared. Amilin's half spared too, since
she kept it as a hobby."

"Bitra is under Telgar's protection. It should be Telgar, nay High Reaches,
that's paying attention t'Bitra and her people." Kassima says this
mildly--if there's censure in it, it's not directed towards the Herder.
Maybe not towards High Reaches, either. "But I worry, some, that
communications are... perhaps nay what they should be; what's t'be
accounting for that, I can't guess. The Lord and his people have certes
always been naught but hospitable when Is does the Weyrling-visit thing.
That's so strange. About the Steward. Being a lecher certes isn't something
you'd think a man might die for." Her headshake is perplexed, leavened a
bit with pensiveness. "A'course, accident it might have been. Would it? I'd
say 'twould depend on the children when they're grown, less than the
circumstance of birth. The Conclave has certainly shown itself willing
t'let Holds pass into odd hands a'fore--I'd guess, just based on the
successions I've seen a'fore, that whom Vorlin chooses as heir is more of
import than birth-order or legitimacy. Just a guess. I wonder if'n he'd
ever want t'marry. He might hold more influence over these women so long as
the question's open. Lady Rose?" She drains the last of her juice, but
rather than pouring another measure sets the glass down. "Why was Gerome
hassling them? Aye, M'rek's certes talented. Ask him t'sing for you
sometime. How strange... I don't mean that in a bad way. Just that 'tis
foreign t'what I've known in m'family, and a'course Weyr families are
always strange. Are there many of you?"

"I can't argue that." Cailin replies lightly, then nods, "Vorlin is a good
Lord to his people. He makes sure Bitra prospers. And if it prospers, the
people do as well. I'm sure that is as far as many look, unless they listen
to the stories that trickle out." Which leaves some question of what Cai
believes? "Eduardo was charming, maybe he charmed the wrong woman if that's
the case. And if it was purposeful, then, well. I did believe Vorlin that
he didn't wish for me to ever see something like that. And if that was his
wish, he'd have made sure I wasn't there if he was expecting it." Or so she
can hope, "So an accident it might have been." She nods, "It's Vorlin's say
who succeeds him, but there are always some that express their own opinions
and hope to influence." She pauses again, then just doesn't answer on the
question of marriage, moving on to, "Gerome made some comments about
bloodlines and who it's expectable to wed." She lifts a brow, "He sings?" A
smile for that, then, "My father and aunt are both Weavers, my mother a
seamstress that eventually became one. She wished for us all to. No one
ever said my mother isn't opinionated."

Kassima's comment is equally light: "Prosperity's much t'be desired, and a
Lord who can bring that is a strong Lord... perhaps particularly in Bitra,
which has always been known for valuing profit. But there are different
kinds of prosperity. The stories are enough t'rouse curiosity, when one
does listen; they really *tell* so little." Could she be more vague and
noncommital if she tried? "Mmm. Perhaps then you weren't being entirely
figurative about watching one's back around certain of the women? It does
seem unlikely that the Lord would wish you unduly rattled if'n 'twere
pregnant at the time. I do find m'self wondering though why Is wouldn't
have mentioned if'n he thought 'twas accident. That the Steward of one of
our Holds had died is certes a point of interest." Another of those shrugs,
this one very casual. "Mayhaps he figured we'd all have heard about it
already. Aye, *hope* to influence--but is the Lord easily influenced?
That's one thing none of the stories have suggested. Ah... made them in
front of a pair of Ladies? Interesting choice of audience." And speaking
thereof, a grin curves her mouth. "Nay necessarily *wonderfully*, but
certes with enthusiasm. We both sang the song t'Rodric. And if'n there's a
mother--a raising mother--alive who isn't somewhat opinionated, 'twill eat
a tuber. I do admire and respect the Weavers, but I'd nay have wanted t'be
one either."

Cailin gives an easy shrug for that, then smiles, "I suppose some of these
things will be matters for harpers and historians to debate out in turns to
come." Then she slowly nods, "There are some I wouldn't present my
unprotected back to, it's true. But there are checks for that, and I have
my own claws as well. And no. He didn't wish for anything to go wrong for
me or the pregnancy, and it didn't." She tips her head then, "You'll have
to ask I'sai. I didn't have a real opportunity to. "Gerome has his own way
about him." Skipping comment on the Lord there, but no, "And I doubt any
would say Vorlin easy to influence." She laughs though next, "That I
believe. And yes, there is that, and yes, I had no wish to be one."

"Indeed. Which is part of the intrigue. I have plenty of Turns left t'me
if'n fortune is kind, enough that I might know how the story ends--and know
I witnessed history, after a fashion." Kassi's grin is sheepish. "I'm such
a sucker for that sort of thing. Aye, 'twould think claws would be useful
for a person in your place. Or for anyone. Glad t'hear that it went well
for you. The lad certes seemed bonny and lovely when I saw him." A genuine
compliment, with a real smile: she has a soft spot for children when
they're being peaceful, simple as that. "He seems interesting himself," she
agrees of Gerome. "Still can't believe he and M'rek had the whole Hold
eating tripe. That's so absurd and awful that 'tis rather comical in
retrospect--since both the parties involved survived the fight unmaimed, at
least." There's just a nod for her comment on Vorlin; that's the answer she
expected, after all. "Did you always want t'be a Herder? From early on?"

Cailin seems amused in a way as she smiles, "Witnessed history. Seems a
much grander description for how we live our lives." Then smiling, "Yes,
I'd imagine you do. You did say you liked stories. And yes, it's always
good to have your back covered and your own defenses." Then smiling warmly,
"He's a good boy, if opinionated now and again." Shocking that, with such
parents? Cai laughs again, "Yes, I heard plenty about the tripe. And not
strictly unmaimed. There were injuries, but they healed." -- "From early
on, oh yes. I got to just where I always wanted to be, work wise at least,
with my last posting. Maybe I'll find that again sometime."

Kassima admits with a laugh at her own foibles this time, "I know, I know,
but methinks it makes life more interesting too--being aware of stories
playing out around you. The Pass's story is over; the fight is over. There
needs t'be something new t'provide excitement--at least for riders, or so I
think, and certainly for me. So. How old is he--half a Turn? And
opinionated *already*? Stars and shards, you are *so doomed* when he hits
two." She affects a tone of dire pronouncement, but the sparkle in her eyes
and quick flash of grin imply this is a tease from one mother to another.
"Oh, I know. M'rek's nose was broken among other things. But nay permanent
damage as best I know, which for M'rek at least seems a pretty good deal.
D'you mean in that you were the one in charge of a line of runners?
Developing a good line, deciding breedings, all that?"

Cailin nods for this, "I can see that, the stories around you making things
more interesting. For a long time I didn't notice them." She smiles, a
might crookedly, Aye, Seven months. But from early on, he'd try and tell me
he could hold his own head up, and he'd try and he didn't want to nap just
now, all that. Little things, but shards. You think so?" she nods for no
permanent and then smiles, "Vorlin left me full charge of his stables."
Hows that for a yes?

"Aye, well, and I didn't really notice Bitra's. Which is why I'm trying
t'catch up now like a little who came in right in the middle of storytime,"
Kassi says with decided if rueful amusement. "You poor woman. I've had
children a bit like that--m'youngest daughter, for one--but usually the
real determination t'get their way started later. 'Twill wager you a
two-mark that he keeps you on your toes nigh all his life, but 'twould then
wager a three-mark you wouldn't take such a sucker's bet as that. They
really don't kid about how bad toddlers are. I wish you the *very* best of
luck." Such a ray of sunshine she is. "That'd do it," she agrees, smiling.
"Probably something they can't do here. Too many qualified hands t'leave
all the runners in any one of 'em, aye?"

Cailin chuckles softly, "Bitra has a lot of stories to entertain one for a
long time I expect. Both old and new. Not that all are true, but..." She
nods, "I'm planning to get help with him, but I'm sure it will still be
difficult. And your right, I'd not take the bet, but I'll be glad of the
luck." She smiles wry then, "Learan doesn't need all of my skills with
runners here, it's true. For one, he doesn't like racers at all. I'm
surprised he's allowing a cross country race at the next Gather."

Kassima laughs and agrees, "Aye, and some of the older I do know. I've been
flying over Bitra for awhile. Stories don't always have t'be true t'be
entertaining, anyway... though given the choice, I'd rather know whether
they are or aren't rather than try t'be guessing. 'Tis worth it," she adds,
addressing the subject of children again. "Nay that you couldn't guess
that, but for what 'tis worth. 'Tis always worth it even if'n sometimes
they can make you wonder. Help that you can trust should certes help you
keep your sanity, if'n naught else." Green eyes roll up towards the ceiling
in a gesture of disbelief. "I remember you saying that a'fore, and I still
can't half believe it. There's a Gather being planned?"

"True. There is entertainment in fiction, but I prefer as well to know what
is fact." Cailin refills her glass, sipping again and then nods, "Cain is
worth it. I think, I hope it's all been worth it. I think so, even if
things took a different path than I anticipated." A sip of the juice and
she nods, "Ahh, that I can trust is the commodity that will make it rare."
Then a grin, "He has his reasons. I partly agree, but don't tell him so. I
partly disagree too, for that matter. And yes, for the end of spring, most
likely."

"A'course, there can be danger too in knowing too much truth." Kassi
switches to the devil's advocate role. "Or at least a burden. But ignorance
is a very tenuous bliss if'n 'tis me you're asking." She takes the pitcher
when the other woman is done with it, pouring herself a fresh glass.
"Here's hoping. Nay telling where that path might lead yet. Could end up in
the same place as the path you thought you'd have, or it could lead
somewhere better, as well as the other options. Isn't it just." She pulls a
rueful face. "Took me awhile t'settle on someone I'd let help with
m'children, and I hadn't the inherent issues. I sought a cousin's aid--have
you any family who might be able? Methinks I can avoid telling Learan--'tis
because of the racing that's nay held up t'standard, aye? You mentioned
something like that a'fore--unless mayhaps he bribes me with more of that
liquor. Then, all bets are off." She's not serious, and her wink lets
Cailin know it. "Magnificent. There hasn't been a Gather in too long. Think
you 'twill be the sort of affair with events, where one would want t'be
wearing practical clothing, or something that calls for fancier finery?"

"There is a danger in knowing too much, and a danger in saying to much of
what you know." Cai shrugs, "There are a great many dangers in all things.
So it's best to be sure of where you stand, always." She lifts her glass,
toast like and then nods, "I could be happy with several options, really.
But they are contingent on several things. I'll have to wait now, and see.
But wait, you had trouble finding someone too?" She pauses, "No. Not
really. I don't have much of anyone I can call on. Amilin's good with Kids.
But I could hardly call on her. Kaimi's got he hands full already. My
younger sisters are studying, and so forth." Waving that off she goes on,
"I'll take my chances with Learan. He's a good sort. As is his scotch." She
smiles, "I'll have to let you know. I'm not sure yet, but events I'd wager."

Kassima supposes, "But perhaps nay good t'commit yourself to a stance
a'fore you truly understand it. Changing sides can be particularly
perilous." Which doesn't stop her from toasting the sentiment, all the
same. "The waiting game. Gah. Of all the games in life, I hate that one.
The only plus to it is that if'n 'tis successfully played, it can have
great rewards." Her head bobs, confirming. "I did. Nay because the Weyr
isn't teeming with fosterers, but I wanted someone special. Someone whom I
trusted absolutely, who'd come live at the Weyr, who'd want t'see
m'children raised in the same way I did, who'd truly love them, be worthy
of them, probably be part of the family anyway--and yet nay try t'supplant
me as mother for all that by necessity she had t'do more of the day-to-day
tending than I could. Tough bill t'be filling. 'Twas fortunate that
m'family is so very excessively large. Mayhaps someone else in the Craft?"
She grins outright in agreement for the quality of Learan and his scotch,
and says, "'Twill plan on that unless I hear otherwise, then. Gathers with
competitions and the like are such wonderful fun."

Cailin smiles crookedly, "And there are times a person knows their side,
but they might not share it with others." She nods slower then, "The
waiting game, aye. Not my favorite, but I've grown accustomed to it."
Another nod, "Aye. That would be the way to go. And maybe in the craft.
Master Kristine has family that helps me here. But I don't think that I
will be able to maintain that always. I do have an option or two, but it's
still not a certainty." Then smiling again, "They can be, and sounds good
t'me."

"Which may well be a wise decision. Nay anyone's on nay anyone's side, they
say, but exactly which side... sometimes it might be best t'keep someone
guessing." Kassima makes a sympathetic face for the other woman. "I'm sorry
that you've had to. Here's luck in wringing good profit from it. There's
time yet, for finding someone--'twould advise, if'n 'twill permit, finding
someone willing t'go wherever you go so that you don't have t'find someone
else should your path move, but who knows who or what might turn up.
Shells, but it's gotten late. Methinks I'm going t'hunt down Jessamyne and
drag her away from whatever she's doing by the hair if'n I want t'get back
to the Weyr a'fore 'tis bloody tomorrow." The greenrider rises to her feet.
"It's been a pleasure seeing you, though, Cailin. I hope 'twill see you at
the concert, if'n nay a'fore."

Cailin smiles a bit wry, "I'm in the rare position of assuming most people
I know have an agenda. Just in some cases, it's a tolerable one. But in
others, it's unknown. But thanks. I will hopefully find the path I wish,
with the people I wish in the end." And with an gracious incline of her
head. "It's been a true pleasure, Kassima. And Aye. I hope to see you
there. Good luck in finding your cousin."

Kassima lifts her shoulders and lets them fall. "Almost everyone has an
agenda--if'n only the promotion of their own well-being, or that of their
children, or... any number of things that might nay actually mean ill. I
don't know if'n I've ever met a soul who didn't have something they wanted
in life, y'know? But... aye, the sort of agendas you're facing would likely
be of a more dangerous sort than the norm." She mirrors that nod almost
exactly, though her response is less gracious or graceful than wry:
"Thankee. I'm probably going t'need it. Clear paths and safe journeys
t'you," she bids, and exits on that note.

You blink as you emerge from the lounge.