[Fairytale Clutch Lesson 1] Fallout

[nemix]

Roseth snapped her head round as she was greeted, crooning softly as Snowth approached. As the delicate Greens muzzle was placed against her own, Roseth snorted softly. Snowth! I have been trying to find you. Mine insisted I let you be, so I have but I am happy to see you.[/color] The lighter shaded Green was very happy to see her sibling, tail whipping about in an energetic fashion. Not enough to be called a wag, but it twitched and flicked. The Green wanted to ask about Snowth, her new rider, her injury, but the man at the front was talking again so Roseth fell quiet as Tiael placed a hand on her neck.

This discussion wasn't going quite as intended for their new Weyrlingmaster, Tiael mused. The man seemed exhausted, patiently answering questions though already he seemed tired. Would he really be able to keep up with the group, the new apparent 'dangers' that lurked around every corner? That part alone Tiael was sceptical of. Warden's hardly got visitors from the outside, those inside were supposed to be under tight control. Still, if they were concerned about it, she supposed it might be a real threat. It could also be a way of keeping them under control, make them fear everything until they could only trust those people with power over them. The idea rankled Tiael no end, especially as L'vey insisted there were only a handful they could trust and all on their side. Roseth crooned softly, swinging her head away from Snowth to tilt her head at Tiael.

Do not fret mine. They wont hold power forever, your Roseth will see to it you'll be better than them.[/color] The Green assured her, earning a scratch to her eyeridge that send ripples through the Green. Tiael was comforted by the happiness that rolled through her dragon, marvelling at just how unusual it was to feel something someone else did.

The thief kept her mouth shut, her features carefully neutral. Jareth seemed fired up, the usually quiet and controlled man was brash and outspoken today. Perhaps he was finding the new emotions that came with his dragon just as difficult to deal with as she did. Tiael found herself driven, energetic at times but curiously optimistic. Things were better, would get even better still, she and Roseth would become far more than they currently were. It made her restless, so much so she shifted on her seat and crossed her legs. She could understand his feelings though, they were debating the fate of the new colours. Tiael had been, shocked, by the dragons and their colours but not overly concerned. They weren't supposed to Impress, yet here they were, why couldn't there be a few odd hides wandering about? Many of them were pretty, something that Tiael knew she'd ordinarily be trying to obtain. That was impossible though, for one, and for another, she knew she'd find no other as perfect as Roseth and so it calmed her. Still, perhaps they could ally with a few of the new 'shinies' as she was currently terming them.

L'vey's response to Jareth shocked her a little, break his own dragon's neck? Thankfully, the man went on to explain, but it still put them in that awkward impasse. Trust us, we're you're only hope. They'd fed their dragons on the Sands, but Tiael really had no clue much past that. His objections made sense, a Healer had a far better sense of things than they did. Still, Snowth's rider seemed to have the same problem Tiael did. How on Pern were they supposed to trust the very people that denied them freedom? The boy was, unusual, seeming just as scared as his Green had been on the sands. Roseth crooned softly toward the pair, though she didn't move. She was concerned for her sister's sadness, but apparently wasn't one to intrude.

"I think someone has hit the nail on the head." Tiael said quietly after a few moments. "You tell us everyone is against us, but that we should trust you. We're without knowledge in many cases, and thus without much choice, it doesn't half feel like being backed into a corner." She continued, her distaste for the situation growing. "I don't think any of us expected to simply get a dragon and we'd know what to do with it, but now you're asking for something that most of us have spent our lives without. You tell us we can't trust one another, but equally we're not about to trust someone just because we get told to. We may not know much about dragons, but many of us know about the rest of the world and just how deceptive it can be."

Idly her fingers had begun tracing the swirling patterns across Roseth's wing joints, following the darker green vines across the smooth leathery skin. she had no problems sticking to rules than ensured Roseth's safety, but she had problems with the way L'vey simply expected them to trust them all. Her voice remained calm though, simply laying out her thought an opinion for consideration, shouting was only going to make him clam up and tell them to deal with things. "Most of us are used to being under scrutiny, but one of the things that made Standing appealing would be that it was a step in the right direction, away from the life of a prisoner and onto something different. Now we come to find out, that we're under even more observation than before. Will we get any privacy? These people are following us around and watching our every move, for our protection you say and I'll admit I can see the benefit when passing around the prison in general, but isn't this going a little bit far?....I'd also like to know how the new Guards have been selected. If so many people dislike our new colourful additions, how do we know the people you've chosen aren't the same?"

Her final thought had come as her hand had fallen still again. Her curious gaze flicking from L'vey, to the group in general and then back to the man. Oh he probably wasn't having a good day at all, but this was probably the best place to get everyone on the same page. Her eyes watched L'vey closely, listening for his response.

[Spiffy]

The lack of honorific had no impact on J'thir; indeed, he as not yet used to the idea of having one and in no way noticed its exclusion. He hadn't even decided 100% on what one he wanted yet, let alone told anyone. But L'vey's next comment had him bristling. He was about to give an angry comeback when he was interrupted by Golith.

Mine, you are doing yourself no favours by making an enemy of this man. Listen to him for once: he knows more about this business that you do.

The dragonet's words were harsh but true, bringing the required amount of reality back to J'thir to make him bite back the retort, instead his eyes flashing angrily, allowing a trace of a confusion he hadn't realised he had through. He would never break his Golith's neck, that he knew with an iron certitude. But what L'vey was suggesting, that he just sat back and let another take care of everything went against almost everything he had ever learned in life. Namely, never trust another with your safety, or with the safety of someone you love. To this day he still regretted not being able to care for Arya, though in that case he'd had little choice. But he would not so easily give up Golith, not while he had him here. He would not, could not trust someone just because someone who he didn't trust either said he should.

But as L'vey continued Jareth knew what he was saying was, at least in part, he truth. Golith was no more mature than Arya had been the day she was born, and though Golith was vastly more mentally advanced at his age and would grow much faster, he would do well to remember that. Just don't go treating me like an infant girl, Golith added. He sighed, finally relenting under L'vey's gaze, though the change in stature and expression were so subtle it was questionable whether L'vey would have noticed with his mind on other things.

No Dust, that he could cope with, he never wanted to take the stuff again. No alcohol, that had upset him more than the lack of Dust in the beginning, but since he'd not really had any in the turn since arriving at Wardens he could probably cope with another 2 turns of sober, though that would by no means keep him away once Weyrlinghood was over. Sex? He could manage that, despite the temptations often present in the prison. No fighting. Well, he could make no promises for that. He wasn't about to go looking for one, but if someone were to go after his dragon then he wasn't about to stand back and trust some guard to do it all for him, at least not at first.

Finally L'vey looked away from him, and J'thir relaxed, if only a little. It wasn't normally like him to get in a situation like that, to draw too much attention to himself in a group, and especially not to be out-maneuvered in one. Having Golith had changed a lot, in him and his situation. Arya could survive without him, currently was, and whatever he did at Wardens they could not get to her for it as punishment. But Golith was here, with him, at the mercy of the Warden and whatever actions his rider took, and without him Golith was nothing. Without Golith, Jareth felt, he too would be nothing. Golith, sensing his rider's dark thoughts, sent a wave of love and affection through their connection. At first J'thir almost flinched, still unused to the feeling, then let it wash over him, a balm to his anger and distress, whether he admitted they existed or not. Do not worry so, Mine. You may not trust Faeth's, and rightly so, but I do not sense that he means us any harm. I think he does want to help, however deluded his methods, and you would do well to accept that. You may not always be able to defend us on your own, and I don't know what I'd do if you were hurt.

J'thir sighed, finally beaten. Ok Golith, I'll do it. I'll be good. He returned the love, trying it out, Golith crooning in apreciation from the chair. His attention as drawn by a quiet voice from behind him, J'thir turning his head to pinpoint the source: the timid albino. So he was a prostitute? J'thir never would have guessed, not having associated with any male prostitutes, let alone ones as young as Farrox. That was just wrong. But despite J'thir's instinctual aversion to the boy, what he said was true. What he was saying was pretty much what J'thir ha been thinking earlier, albeit in a much more timid tone, his dragonet apparently trying to hide him from view with her wing.

Another, more familiar voice picked up where the albino left off. What Tiael was saying was even closer to what J'thir had been thinking, almost exactly, even pulling up things that he hadn't thought about but now began to worry bout. How was he to know that the guard he was assigned wouldn't stick his knife into Golith as soon as his back was turned. He'd have to keep a constant watch on both of them at all times, not that he wouldn't have anyway, but what of when he finally had to sleep. He knew he could go a while without it, but not for long enough for Golith to become big enough to defend himself.

[lithle]

L'vey was quiet as the greenriders spoke their piece, his expression shifting from one of patient exhaustion to one of patient confusion. Still, he waited, until Tiael had finished, his eyes going a bit distant as he mindspoke his own lifemate.

Faeth, I don't know what they expected. That the Warden would open the doors and set them running free? It'd be four turns before even one of them had a chance at freedom. Now they have the run of the Weyr. They have lifemates! They need only complete Weyrling training. And they are angry.

They are wounded. You must be firm with them. You are so gentle, mine. Good requires a strong leading hand.

L'vey gave a slight shake of his head then, dismissing his dragon, but appearing, perhaps, to deny Tiael's words.

"The only trust I have asked of you is that you trust that my experience with dragons is greater than your own. My Faeth is twenty, and I have been a Weyrlingmaster for twelve turns. I do know more of dragons than you. And I have seen the kinds of foolishness that sends them between, and what it does to a person to lose a lifemate. Those are facts. You may mistrust them only at your own detriment." He had spoken with force, for him. Not loud, simply strongly stated. He was quiet a moment.

"It isn't my place to tell any of you to trust me as a person, anymore than you have any right to expect trust from me. We do not know each other." His tone had gentled, though passion (along with sadness) always colored the corners of his words. "And I have never claimed to want nothing of you. I expect attentiveness, obedience, and hard work. I want you to contribute to the Weyr when your dragons are grown. Every Weyr expects that of every group of Weyrlings."

His gaze shifted to Farrox and rested there, "I do not, however, expect you to be guards. At least not those of you who are criminals. This was mentioned at our lesson but I will mention it again. Only those of you who choose the strive for the position and prove yourself to the Warden will be allowed the opportunity."

He had thought, when he'd first mentioned it to them, during the lesson, that a number were likely to join the Guard and he'd believed they would do well. Now, he was less certain. There was more defiance in them, now that they had their lifemates. Certainly more than any normal group of Weyrlings had. Squads relied on discipline, and none of those who had spoken had shown anything like respect for authority. It didn't bother him. It would bother a squadleader.

"On the subject of Guards, and the situation in the Weyr. I haven't told you not to trust anyone, and I certainly hope you will come to trust each other. I don't believe that everyone's against you. There are those who will be thrilled at the new dragon colors. But that isn't everyone. You face more hostility than a normal Weyrling class and it's important that you understand that. It's important that you be cautious And it's our responsibility to see that you are protected."

Another glance at the door. He was now very glad that he hadn't brought the guards in immediately. "You will have guards. They have been screened by myself and the Warden. We trust them and we trust their desire to keep a very lucrative and fairly simple position. You may not trust them. That's up to you."

Now he was looking directly at Tiael, "Where before you were only allowed out for specific work tasks under supervision, you now have the run of the Weyr, under supervision. Provided you attend lessons and obey curfew, your life is your own. I am sorry if you feel that this increases your restrictions, as you will certainly have much greater freedom of movement and choice. Yes, you will have a guard during the day, and yes you will be here at night. The former has been instructed not to interfere unnecessarily. And curfew has been the norm for almost every Weyrling class I've taught."

"Let me be absolutely clear. All of Semith's clutch is to be looked over by a dragonhealer. All of you are to have guards. And you are all to share this barracks and attend lessons. Not because you trust me or because there are threats to you but because you are Weyrlings and these are the Warden's orders. If you wish your freedom, you must graduate from Weyrling training. To graduate, you must obey orders." He looked to those who did not have their freedom at stake, "And you too, will want to graduate, as it is no life to live constantly under the title of Weyrling, subject to everyone's authority."

"I am explaining reasons to you, because I think reasons are important. I think motivation is important, that meaning is important. But I'm afraid I'm not looking for consensus. I, too, have to follow orders. If this is what the Warden feels is necessary, this is what will happen. I happen to agree with him, but if I didn't, I would still be here, telling you these things."

[Wren]

Sheraz was, at last, beginning to settle. He was still not entirely happy, but he was at least convinced that Iiateth was no longer in immediate physical danger. Many of the other weyrlings, he realised were directing their anger directly at L’vey, questioning him, openly declaring that they didn’t trust him. Sheraz trusted him, if only in the sense that he did not think L’vey meant him or his dragon any harm. Sheraz, for a prisoner, trusted with remarkable ease. When he had been angry earlier, it had been a general anger driven by fear when he discovered that there were people who might try to harm Iiateth, now he was calmer, and all the anger in the air was not to his taste at all.

“Guys,” he said aloud to everyone in the room, “Let’s let L’vey speak for a bit, hm? He really is only tryin’ to help. I know we’re all scared about our dragons maybe bein’ hurt, but yelling at L’vey or talkin’ all fancy to him,” He cast an eye towards Tieal, wondering how a prisoner came to have such sophisticated language, “Isn’t gonna’ make it any better.” He paused for a bit here, and then directed his words to L’vey specifically, “What I want to know is, we who’re also prisoner, what will we be doing after we graduate? If we don’t want to be guards, what do we do instead?”

Sheraz was well aware that he may be subject to the derision of the class for appearing to ‘stick-up’ for L’vey, but he didn’t much care. By nature he was not an aggressive man, even if he might seem that way when he was worried about something, and he’d had to do something to diffuse the tensions in the room, even if that meant making them less concentrated by sharing them over himself and L’vey. He also believed in what he said; L’vey was the only tested ally that they had. Apparently they had others, but Sheraz had never truly met them and didn’t have faith in them, and so he thought it was rather important that they didn’t alienate L’vey and be left with no one. Perhaps it was because Sheraz had spoken privately with L’vey before the hatching that he was able to recognise how much they needed the man. In a hostile world, they needed all the friends they could get.

[nemix]

((I am trying not to spam, just seemed a good time to throw in a reaction from Tiael))

Tiael was surprised when L'vey shook his head, was he really going to dismiss concerns expressed not just by herself but by others as well? It was tempting to allow her initial scorn to show on her face, however it wouldn't be smart. Not smart at all. The hatching done, she really was a Weyrling now. It was a little odd to see L'vey on the floor, though not enough to disrupt her thoughts too much. He was still in charge, even if he seemed surprised that they objected to this lack of privacy. He'd never been on the receiving end of prison life though, he didn't have a clue what it was like now did he? Tiael held her tongue, keeping her features thoughtful but steering clear of hostility. He was being patient, despite his tiredness, she wasn't about to push that.

She didn't utter a sound as he spoke, listened, watched, and met his gaze evenly. Well, the new game rules were pretty much clear. This set of hoops weren't entirely unexpected, she was simply irritated that he seemed to be saying one thing and then denying it later. Trust us, we're all that believe in you....not everyone is out to get you, it was all confusing at least it would be if she hadn't followed it carefully. Either way it boiled down to this, L'vey was in charge of the group, if she wanted her freedom she had to play by the rules no matter her personal opinion. Tiael wondered just how much control L'vey would be able to exercise over the group if things truly got out of hand, a thought she tucked away for later, it was too complex to mull over now and was probably best left till Roseth was sleeping.

More freedom sounded nice, the run of the prison with a Guard had been far more than she'd anticipated. She'd imagined being let out for lessons, then escorted back and that'd be about it. The thought of being watched constantly still had her irked, but she knew that it wasn't about to change. In fact, nothing L'vey had said was up for debate, the man simply wanted them to do as their told. Knowing some of the others, it was a big ask, however arguing more wasn't going to move the discussion on. L'vey and the Warden were together on this, so Tiael knew the matter was best left dropped.

"Well, that makes things a bit clearer, thank you." Tiael said quietly, glancing to the door for a moment. "It'll be nice to be able to move about more." There look, a positive, even Roseth seemed enthused at this. The Green had thus far been listening, her muscles tensing against Tiael's legs as she could feel the irritation there. As Tiael relaxed in her chair, she felt Roseth relax and glanced to her Green thoughtfully. It wasn't just her she had to worry about now, she had Roseth to care for also and the Green was apparently very sensitive to shifts in Tiael's moods. She'd have to watch that. Thankfully, the Green seemed to be growing more tired as her rider allowed the conversation to pass across her now. Not seeking to get herself riled up over what clearly wasn't going to change, merely listening and attempting to glean more information.

As another Weyrling spoke up Tiael found his accent to be interesting, it was unusual compared to those she was used to. He seemed rather laid back despite his earlier outburst, and she found his assessment of her use of language amusing, so much so she actually chuckled quietly. She shot him a lazy salute and sat back in her chair, not entirely paying attention to what was in store for the non-prisoner weyrlings, her mind was quietly working away and assessing the group.

There was a soft 'flump' as Roseth apparently gave up the battle with consciousness. Hers was calm, the discussion wasn't much to listen to now and the Green needed rest. Collapsing onto Tiael's lap and side was apparently, her preferred roosting spot. Her rump had slumped to the floor, wings trailing lazily from her sides, and her head rolled comfortably onto Tiael's legs. Sceptical of it's comfort, the Weyrling stroked her lifemate's cheek lightly but got nothing absolutely in response. Apparently, her dragon could and would sleep anywhere, once she'd exhausted herself. Something else to keep an eye on.

[lithle]

If the tension in the room wasn't exactly dissipating, it at least seemed less focused on him in particular. While the exhaustion didn't leave L'vey's posture, and he certainly didn't smile, he did look a little more at ease, slightly less troubled. If he were the type, he might have smiled at Sheraz, as it was, he gave the man a slight nod, acknowledging his willingness to suggest patience.

Good to see the man living up to his promise of responsibility. He, like the others with odd dragons, had a hard road ahead. Patience would be important for them, especially if the dragons did end up showing signs of illness.

"That is what we'll be trying to figure out during your training. If you have experience or interest in a craft, we'll try to provide further training. The Weyr also needs dragons for couriers and transport. We could do with a few hunters, to keep the felines and wild whers in check. I would like to have some assistants, as we can expect Semith to Run again." He gave a little shrug. "If you have a direction you would like to move in, I will do my best to make that happen. Of course, the power in this Weyr is with the Guards. If you wish to lead, that is the direction you would be best off pursuing."

He pushed himself off the ground then, glancing toward Tiael as he did so. "I think a lot of the negativity will fade once people become accustomed to seeing you about. There's always an adjustment period with new ideas. And, once we're sure you're safe and you've proven yourselves responsible, the guards will no longer be an issue."

Crossing the room, he pushed open the door, allowing the men and women he and the Warden had selected into the barracks. "This is only an introduction, tonight. The barracks are your space and your guards will only be in here if you invite them. Otherwise, they will wait for you outside each morning." Of course, he'd be in the barracks too, but everything was compromise. He'd miss sleeping at Faeth's side, for one.

The guards had all lined up behind him. They were mostly large, experienced, and beyond the age of standing themselves. L'vey had wanted dependable sorts. There were exceptions, of course. Some were younger but particularly capable, and passionate about the defense of the Weyrlings. "If you have any problems with your guard, speak to me immediately. I will see to it that you are assigned someone with whom you are more comfortable. But you will have a guard."

He then directed each of the guards to their assigned Weyrling, offering the Weyrling the guard's name, then asking what the Weyrling would prefer to be called. "Are there any other questions? I know you'd all like to get back to your lifemates.

((OOC: You are all free to create your own NPC. We've decided PCs would be a bad idea because your guard will be with your character every moment they're not in the barracks, and that'd be rather limiting for the other player. Not to mention how it'd limit your ability to play if your PC guard wasn't around. The only rules are that you follow the outline given. These are carefully selected, dependable sorts who won't harm your Weyrling and have been instructed to only protect and prevent crimes.

If you want to do a plot that requires the bending of one of these characteristics, please talk to staff first, and we'll try to make it happen.))

[Zen]

Cabarath had not slept and his ‘getting to know you’ time with T’ron had ended up not a very personal ‘getting to know you’ at all. In fact, he’d not even stopped by the cot T’ron had chosen except for once at the end. T’ron had been subject to his wanderings, following the small lumbering creature around to each of Warden’s new Weyrlings. Indeed, he nudged a few here, seemed to stare at a few there, but always he moved onward after a bit to the next few. Three whole candlemarks he wandered, three whole candlemarks he could have spent lying down being a good little dragon hatchling. It wasn’t boundless energy that kept him up. Oh, no, more than once Cabarath had spoken into T’rons mind telling him how tired he was but how he had to see “His Flock.”

When he finally deemed himself finished, L’vey came in. Aside from various comments to him, Cabarath stayed silent throughout the entire ordeal. T’ron was similarly quiet. He did not voice his opinion because at this point in time, Cabarath’s tiredness weighed down on his mind so much that even he was becoming lethargic. He watched as the prisoners duked it out with L’vey. He felt sorry for L’vey. Eh, he even felt sorry for all the Weyrlings, himself included. It wasn’t his fault that the mutations had occurred. It wasn’t Cabarath’s fault that he was a Gray.There was nothing wrong with Cab, though, nothing at all, and he didn’t feel the need for a Dragonhealer to be here. But he didn’t feel the need to enter this conversation, anyway.

“Get some sleep!” T’ron said, leaning over and whispering the words into Cabarath’s direction. Cabarath groaned outwardly, No, I must be awake. But his words were slow and his speech seemed forced. T’ron grimaced as a new wave of tiredness swept over him. “Please just sleep so I can have a clear mind.”

Cabarath seemed to clearly glare at him, but he acquiesced and lay down where he stood. Within moments he was asleep and the fog cleared from T’ron’s brain. He shook his head and then focused on what was at hand. He was a guard, but he was given a guard. Sure, everything was fine and dandy in that respect. Especially if he knew the guard. He was being guarded because of the fact his Gray was different. He had no qualms about that. In fact, he’d rather have an extra pair of eyes in case something did happen.

The debate between the prisoners and L’vey escalated. T’ron felt like he should stay out of this one. His side was severely outnumbered and it didn’t look as if Gwyn or Milune were going to speak up anytime soon. Now was just not his time to talk, no matter what he felt like saying. It’d be better to let L’vey answer questions without butting in. T’ron might make matters worse. In fact, he was fairly sure he would make matters worse—there was no doubt about it. A guard speaking out against prisoners? Sure, everyone was technically a Weyrling now with no strings attatched, but he was pretty sure no one was ready to lower those boundaries. In fact, the prisoners might soon form their own clique, leaving Gwyn and her Gray, Milune and her Brown, and T’ron and Cabarath to fend for themselves.

Great, bring it on.

L’vey ended any further discussion by bringing in the guards. He passed out the guards like they were going to their deaths, which made T’ron smile. Strange, strange man.

“Oh, hey Tanyrion.” Came a familiar voice and the man looked up. Standing in front of him was his good friend Klonoah.

“It’s T’ron now, I suppose.” T’ron answered and his friend nodded. “Didn’t think you wanted to guard theWeyrlings.”

Klonoah shrugged, “Eh, when I saw the new colors I guess I felt the need to see what would happen. Besides, I want to see those buggers grow up.”

T’ron knew Klonoah was a softy at heart and he grinned at his guard. “I’ll get you; well, I’m glad I know who’s going to protect me from those harsh prisoners and guards.”

Noah held up his hands in protest, “Oh, no, I know you can take care of yourself.”

T’ron shook his head wonderingly, “Some guard you are.”