Post by fallinrayne216 on Nov 14, 2005 19:47:01 GMT -5
(Before Flight, after fall cattle drive for Red Butte and Sweet Water holds.... dragons are at Igen Weyr... Riders took close to a 7 day to arrive at Keroon Hold by boat, floating down the Keroon River.)
The squeak of wagon wheels echoed off of the rock walls, and the clop of hooves as well... the great teams of cart beasts were moving immense masses of people and goods... both coming and going. People from all over the province had come to Keroon Hold for the fall drives and auctions. Drovers roamed the streets, with marks to spend... Stalls for all crafts were erected and showed their wares freely... boasting the best in all of Pern... no matter the goods. Gaming tables were scattered about... a few honest... even the Pillow Craft was abounding... with their tents open to any with a sliver of a mark to spare.
"Remember D'lyn we have to purchase runnerbeasts with those marks as well..." Came the nasaled voice of the Weyr's Master Herder. The tall lean man had insisted that he come, he had never laid eyes on the main hold of Keroon or any other land in the North and it was a lifetime dream... it would have been better though if they could have gone to the Beast Hall. Of course that wasn't the reason he had given G'llahar for his presence here...
"We can't drive the brutes all the way to the shore on foot. It was bad enough walking this far... Don't let the Lord's steward out wit you in the deal making."
"I know that Malroy and I wont." The bronze rider hissed, sounding a bit irritated, and for good cause... being stuck on a boat was not his favorite place to be... include the annoying herder, a chipper Harper guide, two Luna riders and one Helios... coupled with awful motion sickness, well... it was a good enough recipe for a char poor time at least in D'lyn's eyes.
"Do ye all have on you're Ista Knots?" His words a whisper, the bronze rider who had been leaning against the outer wall of the hold, a long coat over his simple white shirt and leathers, turned to look at the riders that G'llahar had chosen to make this little foray. As D'lyn turned his head, his wide shoulders pulled at the heavy wherhide coat and caused the late fall sun to glint off of polished metal. His gauntlet covered arm dropped unconsciously to his hip, checking the sword that was sheathed there. The other moved to his side and felt the lump under his shirt, strapped to his ribs... the marks sent for this very purpose... Marks that he had helped to earn... Lateo crafts were all and good, but without a recognized Master's Mark... well... 'I hope that it is enough... prices will be high with so many here...'
"Perhaps we should look at runners first?"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T'lon moved in the crowd with the rest of the dragonriders, shifting his shoulders uncomfortably in the heavy coat. He didn't wear a sword, but his knife was at his belt, as was a small pouch with a few marks for his own use. It had been an eternity since he'd been in the North, and the colder weather didn't sit well with him, even with the coat. It felt strange to be in the North again, even though it was Keroon, and not Fort.
When D'lyn spoke about seeing the runners first, though, he looked over. A small grin crept onto his features. "As much as I would like to, let's see the herdbeasts first. They're what we really came here for, after all..." He reached out to clap a hand on D'lyn's shoulder companionably. "Afterwards, though, I want to see the runners, too. Everyone says Keroon has the best...and I'd like to see for myself."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H'lax looked eargerly about. True he hadn't been too excited with being on a boat for an entire sevenday, but being able to finally visit the North was well worth it in his mind. His honey gaze swept the land before him, taking in as much as he could at once. All exhaustion or stiffness felt from travelling by ship was lost to him as excitement and adrenaline raced through his system. The cooler temperatures were a little bothersome as he had very thin skin and tended to get cold a little easier, but he ignored it the best he could. He didn't want to waste time thinking about that right now. He just wanted to see what so few were able to.
Coming into the conversation, his euphoria lessened and he remembered the real reason for them being here. "Couldn't agree with you more T'lon. Must save the best for last, yes? And from what I hear, these runners truly are the best." Smile broadening, he looked in the direction they were headed, anxious for what was to come.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E'mion had been a little dissappointed that none of his fellow wing riders had joined him on the adventure, but as a bronze rider it was his duty. The trip here had been bareable to say the least. He was not looking forward to the way back.
Hearing the topic of which to look at first come up, E'mion waited calmly to hear what the others thought. He, however, did not agree that the runners should be waited on.
"And what happens, good riders, when we stumble into trouble? Our dragons are not here to save us, nor can we call them here no matter the reason. We must have ourselves a speedy exit. I dont' care how good you behave. A fight does not always have to be started by the person who gets in trouble for it."
E'mion's voice was stern and edged with ice. He was not about to let some foolish, day-dreaming boys ruin the entire mission. He wanted to get the work done and return as quickly as posssible. He did not, however, want to have to return because of some problems they happened to cause.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T'lon grimaced at the name H'lax gave him, and spoke in a hushed tone. "Watch yourself. It's Telon here. Might as well get in the habit of saying it now." He smiled softly to soften his reprimand.
Then he looked over at E'mion, bristling slightly at the other wingleader's tone. "And do not refer to us as 'riders.' Should someone overhear, it could blow our cover." Sometimes, E'mion really rubbed him the wrong way. "I'm sure that we'll be able to handle that sort of difficulty should it occur." He nodded to the sword at D'lyn's waist, and absently rubbed the knife at his own. Yeah, they were in good enough shape when it came to fighting.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Trouble?" The tall man was becoming nervous. Malroy was decent in a scrape but that didn't mean he liked thinking of what could happen to the riders or himself... Thinking of what G'llahar would do to them was even worse than the thought of guards or an angry mob. He tugged yet again at the short drover coat he wore, and rearranged the knots resting at his shoulder. 'It's wrong and gonna get us found out...' The herder didn't like hiding behind the Istan knots, but he had little choice if he wanted a small glimpse of the North and a say in how the herd sires would be treated or which ones were bought for that matter.
"Don't worry yer head Malroy, we are a decent enough lot... Endymion is just being cautious." D'lyn flashed a reassuring grin at the Weyr's herder and th Harper who had just walked into their midst. The small man had brought them this far; the bronze rider only hoped that they could stay in his good graces awhile longer.
A split second later D'lyn was scowling at the Helios and Luna Wingleaders, his deep green eyes dancing a dark dangerous path, biding them both be quiet, his temperature boiling... granted he was happy the man had sided with him... but E'mion also needed to learn to keep his mouth shut, as an older rider he should know now was not the time to mention trouble or for that matter dragons... T'lon should know they didn't need or want trouble...
What they did need was the Harper just a bit longer... it would help to have him set in on the negotiations with the Lord's Steward, to aid them in finding the shore where they were to meet the Lateo ship, but he seemed as nervous as Malroy at the moment… even his insistent singing had taken on a nervous lit.
"Endymion is right about needing the mounts... I would as soon know what I had neath me before we negotiate for the herdbeasts... Sides from that... it is a good day, day an a half before our appointment... It would save us some time in the long run." D'lyn was not happy, if it had been all riders from Sidus... he would have felt comfortable, not to say they weren't all good riders... but they weren't his wingmates.
Are you all right Mine? Tris sounded concerned, but half sleepy at the same time.
Fine Tris. Just fine. How are you fairing D'lyn was a bit amused at the contented note to the bronze's mind voice. 'Doesn't need me at all.'
Doing well... the sun here is wonderful, much like at home only... dryer.
Enjoy it while you can... we won't be here all that long.
The bronze faded from his mind and D'lyn's eyes found focus again, “Fall take me… the first time Helax you set foot on Keroon soil and you want a look at the runners…” D’lyn ducked his head, trying to hide the smirk that was fighting its way to his full lips.
"Runners are not the only things Keroon breeds well... Or are you both too besotted to take a good long look at her women." The first to come to mind was a certain gold rider…
Still fighting back a laugh, “If it pleases all of you, I think we should look in some of the smaller strings first, maybe the prices will be better... "
As they talked the small troop made their way through the main gate of Keroon Hold, passing by hold guards and drudges all in a hurry to be somewhere.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H'lax's mood was dampered a little at the harsh tone of the Helios Wingleader, but he refused to let it bother him too much. After all, it was in a way directed at the group and not solely himself. He took a small comfort in that.
Ignoring the tone best he could, he listened to what the brute had to say. He couldn't help but agree. He hadn't thought of that. There were reasons why he was not the Wingleader he supposed. When he was too excited he could not think things totally through. The reprimand from T'lon was just another reminder. "O yeah. Thank you Telon. It's a habbit that probably won't be easy to break, but I'll take extra care in the future."
A more serious look crossed his face. Not too often did H'lax chose to be serious, but the weight of this journey was finally sinking in. He didn't really happen to have the luxury to always be so excitable here. He could do it, and he would, though it didn't mean he had to like it.
"I don't think a fight would be so smart. Runners and getting away as soon as possible does sound like a safer idea." So they could see the runners soon? Well that would at least be entertaining while they waited. Something to keep them occupied in spare time.
When D'lyn spoke he couldn't help but grin once more. He knew of at least one woman that had come to them from this Hold. Shaking his head he chuckled softly. "I think I have seen enough of Keroon's women to last me a lifetime." Kyparla was almost always on his thoughts or on his mind whether it be the front or back. He wasn't sure if he could handle another like her though. One like her was plenty in his mind.
Listening to D'lyn he fought back the images of Kyparla. Wasn't his fault, he hadn't brought her up. It was time for him to get down to business now. Mind clear, he followed the group into Keroon Hold, gaze taking in everything at once, from the homes to the occupants, not wanting to miss anything in case he needed to know for later.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E’mion glared at T’lon when he mentioned being ready for a fight. Nobody could ever be ready for a fight unless they planned on starting it. Was T’lon here only to make trouble and cause E’mion more grief? While he fought to not deck the fellow wingleader, he kept up his composer for appearances sake and merely appeared to be granting him with an angry look.
Feeling the scowl sent his way from D’lyn, E’mion turned to accept it with a cool air. He did not care that he had upset a few of them or angered the others. What he had said needed to be said. Dragonriders always had a false feeling of safety because of their bonds. Well here in the north it was different. They needed to understand that and E’mion seen no reason to soften the message up for them.
Hearing the topic change from runners to women, E’mion rolled his eyes. Surely men, and bronze riders at that, could think of something else. Hearing the subtle hints toward Kyparla, E’mion just shook his head. How could so many bronze riders be trapped by her spell?
As they walked into the gates, E’mion found himself smiling at H’lax’s wide eyes. “First time to Keroon, Helax?” he asked in a good natured tone. It was always fun to see the younger riders expressions when they first came North. It was far different than the south they were use to.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The poor Harper...
Shalo had been stuck with this strange group of travelers for going on seven days now, and each day he was with them made him more and more nervous. They had employed him as a guide, which had been fine...what had not been fine, in his eyes, was when they had begun to ask favors and information from him. These people were obviously not from around this area. What had tipped him off? Well, first off was their request for Ista knots. Why would they be needing the knots? Although they were suntanned, they were definately not from Ista...or Keroon for that matter. But where were they from? Their accents were so hard to place...Shalo couldn't quite put a finger on it. Could they possibly be from Telgar? What if they were Lord Dorin's men come to spy on Keroon!?
Trying to push that thought out of his mind, Shalo wandered back to the group he was guiding. Coming back into their midst, the small Harper tried his best to be as inconspicuous as possible. That one fellow really seemed to want to start a fight...and what was this about having runners as a back up plan? Shalo began to hum, his song going off key as his nervousness took hold of his voice for a quick minute as he walked among them.
He climbed back into the cart and gathered the reins of the runners in his hands. "We should be at the fair grounds soon. Is there any place in particular you had in mind to stay the night and store your things?" He turned to the men who seemed to be doing the most talking and decision making, the bronzeriders-in-disguise. Seeing the glint of the sun flashing off of metal that was attached to one man's waist, Shalo didn't allow his shock to marr his facial features. Weapons? Why would these people have weapons? In the Harper's eyes, they were now definately categorized as Dorin's thugs and he would be keeping a discreet but knowing eye on their activities.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'Couldn't the man have found one of his own with a bit more heart? A stomach for this kind of work?' The bronze rider watched the little man... He hadn't asked that many questions about the Knots, and D'lyn assumed that he had been told what was going on...at least parts of it, but know the bronze rider was beginning to think otherwise.
D'lyn, lost in thought, barely heard the Harper's words, even though his eyes and thoughts had been on the man... He looked to the faces of the other bronze riders and then back to the harper.
"It doesn't look like you could buy space here even if you had the marks to spare..." Looking about he took in the setting once more, hope was quickly fading... it looked as though they would have to sleep out once again.
"Do you know if the steward would let a stall or two? I fear we are from a far warmer climate and don't look forward to sleeping out."
The riders easily fell in behind the cart carrying their meager amount of supplies, sleeping furs and the ilk, after such a long journey it had become second nature. They passed through the press of people, and D’lyn found it necessary to grab hold of the side of the cart to make sure he was allowed to pass and didn’t get separated by the press of people. He watched the back of the Harper’s head, trying to think what he could do to put the man’s mind at ease.
'Just what did and didn't the Master tell him?'
Turning his attention back to his fellow riders, "Endymion yer right, I'd bet a mark it is Helax's first trip here... the look of wide eyed wonder etched on his face gives it away.... Looks to be Malroy's as well." An easy smile crept it's way back across the bronze rider's lips, at least they were this much closer to being able to go home.
"Aye lad, I hae'ner been to Keroon before now. I only hope I don't look weel... quite like young Helax there... if I do... please put me outta my misery fer I will hae' lost me mind." Laughing loudly, Malroy looked over at the man he still considered a boy, not having his 60 odd turns of age.
Turning his eyes heavenward, D'lyn shook his head... 'Faranth help us...'
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Helax kept his mind wandering as he tried his best to memorize everything that was happening around him. He was sure to pay just enough attention to the others in case his opinion was needed, but it seemed as though D'lyn had a handle on things here. He was anxiously awaiting what was to come. He wanted to see those runners that were so famous.
He listened in on their possible sleeping arangements and let in an inward groan. 'At this rate I'll throw my back and seem as old as Malroy by this trips end.' He knew that wouldnt really be the case, but what he wouldn't give for his nice bed back in his weyr, maybe even with a girl by his side. It was nothing personal.... not really anyway... but he just wasn't a fan of sleeping in such close quarters with other men. Was just a tad uncomfortable for him. O well. He could do it and put up with it for this trip. It had been too good an opotunity to miss out on.
Hearing his name, he turned to the two bronze riders as the spoke of this being his first time. The tips of his ears were tinged red as Malroy commented on it as well. "You better believe it. I'm going to enjoy my time here. Never know when I'll time for another looksee." His grin never faultered, but his wide eyes did lessen a bit. He wasn't sure if this being his first time would gave anyone any hints. Surely it wouldn't since he was sure there had to be some fellas his age that hadn't been able to travel far from their Hold.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T'lon smiled slightly. He'd made a few other trips North, but they were rare occasions, mostly to look for new gold candidates. He'd been born up here, but again, it had been Fort and not Keroon. Hmm...maybe he ought to pay a visit to Fort again sometime, to see how the old place was holding up. It would certainly be interesting, to say the least...and he kind of missed it. Maybe some of the children who he'd grown up with there would still be around. Heh...who would have guessed that he'd have gone off to become a dragonrider? Certainly not him, and probably none of them had either.
Coming back to the present, though...he chuckled, patting H'lax companionably on the back. "Don't worry about it. There isn't too much different here from where we come from, mainly that it's colder. Also, the people up here are a lot less relaxed in the way they act, a lot of the time..." T'lon smiled reassuringly at his wingrider. It would be okay...they'd get in, do this, and get out again with as little trouble as possible.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E’mion smiled in spite of himself as he listened to the other men. At the back of the group, he kept an eye on the people around them as they passed thru the crowed as well as the riders themselves.
The paths were crowded with people and animals alike while stalls lined the many edges. By the shell, it might as well have been a gather. He’d only been to a handful of them before, having been born in the south, but he knew them to be crowded and festive. Defiantly worth the trouble of coming north.
This didn’t have the festive air of a gather though, more of the chaotic air of an overcrowded market, which was exactly what it was. Sighing to himself, he let his eyes roam, wondering how much farther they’d have to go.
The squeak of wagon wheels echoed off of the rock walls, and the clop of hooves as well... the great teams of cart beasts were moving immense masses of people and goods... both coming and going. People from all over the province had come to Keroon Hold for the fall drives and auctions. Drovers roamed the streets, with marks to spend... Stalls for all crafts were erected and showed their wares freely... boasting the best in all of Pern... no matter the goods. Gaming tables were scattered about... a few honest... even the Pillow Craft was abounding... with their tents open to any with a sliver of a mark to spare.
"Remember D'lyn we have to purchase runnerbeasts with those marks as well..." Came the nasaled voice of the Weyr's Master Herder. The tall lean man had insisted that he come, he had never laid eyes on the main hold of Keroon or any other land in the North and it was a lifetime dream... it would have been better though if they could have gone to the Beast Hall. Of course that wasn't the reason he had given G'llahar for his presence here...
"We can't drive the brutes all the way to the shore on foot. It was bad enough walking this far... Don't let the Lord's steward out wit you in the deal making."
"I know that Malroy and I wont." The bronze rider hissed, sounding a bit irritated, and for good cause... being stuck on a boat was not his favorite place to be... include the annoying herder, a chipper Harper guide, two Luna riders and one Helios... coupled with awful motion sickness, well... it was a good enough recipe for a char poor time at least in D'lyn's eyes.
"Do ye all have on you're Ista Knots?" His words a whisper, the bronze rider who had been leaning against the outer wall of the hold, a long coat over his simple white shirt and leathers, turned to look at the riders that G'llahar had chosen to make this little foray. As D'lyn turned his head, his wide shoulders pulled at the heavy wherhide coat and caused the late fall sun to glint off of polished metal. His gauntlet covered arm dropped unconsciously to his hip, checking the sword that was sheathed there. The other moved to his side and felt the lump under his shirt, strapped to his ribs... the marks sent for this very purpose... Marks that he had helped to earn... Lateo crafts were all and good, but without a recognized Master's Mark... well... 'I hope that it is enough... prices will be high with so many here...'
"Perhaps we should look at runners first?"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T'lon moved in the crowd with the rest of the dragonriders, shifting his shoulders uncomfortably in the heavy coat. He didn't wear a sword, but his knife was at his belt, as was a small pouch with a few marks for his own use. It had been an eternity since he'd been in the North, and the colder weather didn't sit well with him, even with the coat. It felt strange to be in the North again, even though it was Keroon, and not Fort.
When D'lyn spoke about seeing the runners first, though, he looked over. A small grin crept onto his features. "As much as I would like to, let's see the herdbeasts first. They're what we really came here for, after all..." He reached out to clap a hand on D'lyn's shoulder companionably. "Afterwards, though, I want to see the runners, too. Everyone says Keroon has the best...and I'd like to see for myself."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H'lax looked eargerly about. True he hadn't been too excited with being on a boat for an entire sevenday, but being able to finally visit the North was well worth it in his mind. His honey gaze swept the land before him, taking in as much as he could at once. All exhaustion or stiffness felt from travelling by ship was lost to him as excitement and adrenaline raced through his system. The cooler temperatures were a little bothersome as he had very thin skin and tended to get cold a little easier, but he ignored it the best he could. He didn't want to waste time thinking about that right now. He just wanted to see what so few were able to.
Coming into the conversation, his euphoria lessened and he remembered the real reason for them being here. "Couldn't agree with you more T'lon. Must save the best for last, yes? And from what I hear, these runners truly are the best." Smile broadening, he looked in the direction they were headed, anxious for what was to come.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E'mion had been a little dissappointed that none of his fellow wing riders had joined him on the adventure, but as a bronze rider it was his duty. The trip here had been bareable to say the least. He was not looking forward to the way back.
Hearing the topic of which to look at first come up, E'mion waited calmly to hear what the others thought. He, however, did not agree that the runners should be waited on.
"And what happens, good riders, when we stumble into trouble? Our dragons are not here to save us, nor can we call them here no matter the reason. We must have ourselves a speedy exit. I dont' care how good you behave. A fight does not always have to be started by the person who gets in trouble for it."
E'mion's voice was stern and edged with ice. He was not about to let some foolish, day-dreaming boys ruin the entire mission. He wanted to get the work done and return as quickly as posssible. He did not, however, want to have to return because of some problems they happened to cause.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T'lon grimaced at the name H'lax gave him, and spoke in a hushed tone. "Watch yourself. It's Telon here. Might as well get in the habit of saying it now." He smiled softly to soften his reprimand.
Then he looked over at E'mion, bristling slightly at the other wingleader's tone. "And do not refer to us as 'riders.' Should someone overhear, it could blow our cover." Sometimes, E'mion really rubbed him the wrong way. "I'm sure that we'll be able to handle that sort of difficulty should it occur." He nodded to the sword at D'lyn's waist, and absently rubbed the knife at his own. Yeah, they were in good enough shape when it came to fighting.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Trouble?" The tall man was becoming nervous. Malroy was decent in a scrape but that didn't mean he liked thinking of what could happen to the riders or himself... Thinking of what G'llahar would do to them was even worse than the thought of guards or an angry mob. He tugged yet again at the short drover coat he wore, and rearranged the knots resting at his shoulder. 'It's wrong and gonna get us found out...' The herder didn't like hiding behind the Istan knots, but he had little choice if he wanted a small glimpse of the North and a say in how the herd sires would be treated or which ones were bought for that matter.
"Don't worry yer head Malroy, we are a decent enough lot... Endymion is just being cautious." D'lyn flashed a reassuring grin at the Weyr's herder and th Harper who had just walked into their midst. The small man had brought them this far; the bronze rider only hoped that they could stay in his good graces awhile longer.
A split second later D'lyn was scowling at the Helios and Luna Wingleaders, his deep green eyes dancing a dark dangerous path, biding them both be quiet, his temperature boiling... granted he was happy the man had sided with him... but E'mion also needed to learn to keep his mouth shut, as an older rider he should know now was not the time to mention trouble or for that matter dragons... T'lon should know they didn't need or want trouble...
What they did need was the Harper just a bit longer... it would help to have him set in on the negotiations with the Lord's Steward, to aid them in finding the shore where they were to meet the Lateo ship, but he seemed as nervous as Malroy at the moment… even his insistent singing had taken on a nervous lit.
"Endymion is right about needing the mounts... I would as soon know what I had neath me before we negotiate for the herdbeasts... Sides from that... it is a good day, day an a half before our appointment... It would save us some time in the long run." D'lyn was not happy, if it had been all riders from Sidus... he would have felt comfortable, not to say they weren't all good riders... but they weren't his wingmates.
Are you all right Mine? Tris sounded concerned, but half sleepy at the same time.
Fine Tris. Just fine. How are you fairing D'lyn was a bit amused at the contented note to the bronze's mind voice. 'Doesn't need me at all.'
Doing well... the sun here is wonderful, much like at home only... dryer.
Enjoy it while you can... we won't be here all that long.
The bronze faded from his mind and D'lyn's eyes found focus again, “Fall take me… the first time Helax you set foot on Keroon soil and you want a look at the runners…” D’lyn ducked his head, trying to hide the smirk that was fighting its way to his full lips.
"Runners are not the only things Keroon breeds well... Or are you both too besotted to take a good long look at her women." The first to come to mind was a certain gold rider…
Still fighting back a laugh, “If it pleases all of you, I think we should look in some of the smaller strings first, maybe the prices will be better... "
As they talked the small troop made their way through the main gate of Keroon Hold, passing by hold guards and drudges all in a hurry to be somewhere.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H'lax's mood was dampered a little at the harsh tone of the Helios Wingleader, but he refused to let it bother him too much. After all, it was in a way directed at the group and not solely himself. He took a small comfort in that.
Ignoring the tone best he could, he listened to what the brute had to say. He couldn't help but agree. He hadn't thought of that. There were reasons why he was not the Wingleader he supposed. When he was too excited he could not think things totally through. The reprimand from T'lon was just another reminder. "O yeah. Thank you Telon. It's a habbit that probably won't be easy to break, but I'll take extra care in the future."
A more serious look crossed his face. Not too often did H'lax chose to be serious, but the weight of this journey was finally sinking in. He didn't really happen to have the luxury to always be so excitable here. He could do it, and he would, though it didn't mean he had to like it.
"I don't think a fight would be so smart. Runners and getting away as soon as possible does sound like a safer idea." So they could see the runners soon? Well that would at least be entertaining while they waited. Something to keep them occupied in spare time.
When D'lyn spoke he couldn't help but grin once more. He knew of at least one woman that had come to them from this Hold. Shaking his head he chuckled softly. "I think I have seen enough of Keroon's women to last me a lifetime." Kyparla was almost always on his thoughts or on his mind whether it be the front or back. He wasn't sure if he could handle another like her though. One like her was plenty in his mind.
Listening to D'lyn he fought back the images of Kyparla. Wasn't his fault, he hadn't brought her up. It was time for him to get down to business now. Mind clear, he followed the group into Keroon Hold, gaze taking in everything at once, from the homes to the occupants, not wanting to miss anything in case he needed to know for later.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E’mion glared at T’lon when he mentioned being ready for a fight. Nobody could ever be ready for a fight unless they planned on starting it. Was T’lon here only to make trouble and cause E’mion more grief? While he fought to not deck the fellow wingleader, he kept up his composer for appearances sake and merely appeared to be granting him with an angry look.
Feeling the scowl sent his way from D’lyn, E’mion turned to accept it with a cool air. He did not care that he had upset a few of them or angered the others. What he had said needed to be said. Dragonriders always had a false feeling of safety because of their bonds. Well here in the north it was different. They needed to understand that and E’mion seen no reason to soften the message up for them.
Hearing the topic change from runners to women, E’mion rolled his eyes. Surely men, and bronze riders at that, could think of something else. Hearing the subtle hints toward Kyparla, E’mion just shook his head. How could so many bronze riders be trapped by her spell?
As they walked into the gates, E’mion found himself smiling at H’lax’s wide eyes. “First time to Keroon, Helax?” he asked in a good natured tone. It was always fun to see the younger riders expressions when they first came North. It was far different than the south they were use to.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The poor Harper...
Shalo had been stuck with this strange group of travelers for going on seven days now, and each day he was with them made him more and more nervous. They had employed him as a guide, which had been fine...what had not been fine, in his eyes, was when they had begun to ask favors and information from him. These people were obviously not from around this area. What had tipped him off? Well, first off was their request for Ista knots. Why would they be needing the knots? Although they were suntanned, they were definately not from Ista...or Keroon for that matter. But where were they from? Their accents were so hard to place...Shalo couldn't quite put a finger on it. Could they possibly be from Telgar? What if they were Lord Dorin's men come to spy on Keroon!?
Trying to push that thought out of his mind, Shalo wandered back to the group he was guiding. Coming back into their midst, the small Harper tried his best to be as inconspicuous as possible. That one fellow really seemed to want to start a fight...and what was this about having runners as a back up plan? Shalo began to hum, his song going off key as his nervousness took hold of his voice for a quick minute as he walked among them.
He climbed back into the cart and gathered the reins of the runners in his hands. "We should be at the fair grounds soon. Is there any place in particular you had in mind to stay the night and store your things?" He turned to the men who seemed to be doing the most talking and decision making, the bronzeriders-in-disguise. Seeing the glint of the sun flashing off of metal that was attached to one man's waist, Shalo didn't allow his shock to marr his facial features. Weapons? Why would these people have weapons? In the Harper's eyes, they were now definately categorized as Dorin's thugs and he would be keeping a discreet but knowing eye on their activities.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'Couldn't the man have found one of his own with a bit more heart? A stomach for this kind of work?' The bronze rider watched the little man... He hadn't asked that many questions about the Knots, and D'lyn assumed that he had been told what was going on...at least parts of it, but know the bronze rider was beginning to think otherwise.
D'lyn, lost in thought, barely heard the Harper's words, even though his eyes and thoughts had been on the man... He looked to the faces of the other bronze riders and then back to the harper.
"It doesn't look like you could buy space here even if you had the marks to spare..." Looking about he took in the setting once more, hope was quickly fading... it looked as though they would have to sleep out once again.
"Do you know if the steward would let a stall or two? I fear we are from a far warmer climate and don't look forward to sleeping out."
The riders easily fell in behind the cart carrying their meager amount of supplies, sleeping furs and the ilk, after such a long journey it had become second nature. They passed through the press of people, and D’lyn found it necessary to grab hold of the side of the cart to make sure he was allowed to pass and didn’t get separated by the press of people. He watched the back of the Harper’s head, trying to think what he could do to put the man’s mind at ease.
'Just what did and didn't the Master tell him?'
Turning his attention back to his fellow riders, "Endymion yer right, I'd bet a mark it is Helax's first trip here... the look of wide eyed wonder etched on his face gives it away.... Looks to be Malroy's as well." An easy smile crept it's way back across the bronze rider's lips, at least they were this much closer to being able to go home.
"Aye lad, I hae'ner been to Keroon before now. I only hope I don't look weel... quite like young Helax there... if I do... please put me outta my misery fer I will hae' lost me mind." Laughing loudly, Malroy looked over at the man he still considered a boy, not having his 60 odd turns of age.
Turning his eyes heavenward, D'lyn shook his head... 'Faranth help us...'
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Helax kept his mind wandering as he tried his best to memorize everything that was happening around him. He was sure to pay just enough attention to the others in case his opinion was needed, but it seemed as though D'lyn had a handle on things here. He was anxiously awaiting what was to come. He wanted to see those runners that were so famous.
He listened in on their possible sleeping arangements and let in an inward groan. 'At this rate I'll throw my back and seem as old as Malroy by this trips end.' He knew that wouldnt really be the case, but what he wouldn't give for his nice bed back in his weyr, maybe even with a girl by his side. It was nothing personal.... not really anyway... but he just wasn't a fan of sleeping in such close quarters with other men. Was just a tad uncomfortable for him. O well. He could do it and put up with it for this trip. It had been too good an opotunity to miss out on.
Hearing his name, he turned to the two bronze riders as the spoke of this being his first time. The tips of his ears were tinged red as Malroy commented on it as well. "You better believe it. I'm going to enjoy my time here. Never know when I'll time for another looksee." His grin never faultered, but his wide eyes did lessen a bit. He wasn't sure if this being his first time would gave anyone any hints. Surely it wouldn't since he was sure there had to be some fellas his age that hadn't been able to travel far from their Hold.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T'lon smiled slightly. He'd made a few other trips North, but they were rare occasions, mostly to look for new gold candidates. He'd been born up here, but again, it had been Fort and not Keroon. Hmm...maybe he ought to pay a visit to Fort again sometime, to see how the old place was holding up. It would certainly be interesting, to say the least...and he kind of missed it. Maybe some of the children who he'd grown up with there would still be around. Heh...who would have guessed that he'd have gone off to become a dragonrider? Certainly not him, and probably none of them had either.
Coming back to the present, though...he chuckled, patting H'lax companionably on the back. "Don't worry about it. There isn't too much different here from where we come from, mainly that it's colder. Also, the people up here are a lot less relaxed in the way they act, a lot of the time..." T'lon smiled reassuringly at his wingrider. It would be okay...they'd get in, do this, and get out again with as little trouble as possible.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E’mion smiled in spite of himself as he listened to the other men. At the back of the group, he kept an eye on the people around them as they passed thru the crowed as well as the riders themselves.
The paths were crowded with people and animals alike while stalls lined the many edges. By the shell, it might as well have been a gather. He’d only been to a handful of them before, having been born in the south, but he knew them to be crowded and festive. Defiantly worth the trouble of coming north.
This didn’t have the festive air of a gather though, more of the chaotic air of an overcrowded market, which was exactly what it was. Sighing to himself, he let his eyes roam, wondering how much farther they’d have to go.