Listening Ears
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Heather, Yvonne
Date Posted: 1st April 2024
Characters: Saibra, H'run
Description: Saibra has a top secret assignment for H'run.
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 13, day 20 of Turn 10
Notes: Mentioned: Kadira, Zathris, Benani (not by name)
"You asked for me, m'lady?" H'run bowed as he entered Saibra's office. The summons had been unexpected, but he'd thankfully been dressing for dinner and was looking more than presentable in a dark blue tunic and winking gold earrings.
"I did," Saibra said, swiveling her chair around and raising her eyebrows as she took in H'run's entire outfit. "You look fabulous. I hope I'm not keeping you from anything... or anyone."
H'run spread his arms and looked down as if just noticing himself for the first time. "How very kind of you, but no, I was simply headed to the dining cavern."
"Oh, good. Have a seat, please, I have a... slightly unusual request." Saibra gestured toward one of the chairs in front of her desk.
Intriguing. "How might I help you?"
"Considering everything that's been going on... the anti-Weyr sentiments towards Dolphin Cove and holders being less inclined to send us female Candidates after Kadira's impression... I'm wanting to try and get a better read on what holders are thinking but I can't very well go and ask them...." She trailed off, wanting to see how interested the bluerider was so far.
"Ah. You need someone to listen for you." The bluerider nodded. "It has been a tumultuous time for the Weyrs of late, hasn't it."
"Exactly," Saibra said. "I would like for you to go to a nearby Gather, dressed as a holder, and see what you can hear."
Pride warmed H'run's chest as he inclined his head. "I would be honoured. Your faith is not misplaced, m'lady. Is there anything in particular, besides our dear Kadirah and the events at Dragonsfall Weyr, that you would like me to pay particular notice of, if I come across them?"
"Just general attitudes and especially if it sounds like their opinions are the general consensus. Lord Zathris has always been supportive of Dragonsfall, at least to our faces, but it would be nice to know if we truly have the Lord Holder's support, or if it's just lip service." Saibra had never had reason to doubt the Amber Hills Lady or Lord, but one could never be sure when it came to politics.
The bluerider made a mental note to pick up any gossip he could about the Lord Holder while he was out. There was always the possibility that some useful nugget of information could be used for bargaining down the road. "Of course. Is the next Gather at the Hold your intention, or would you prefer I go to a smaller Gather in one of the Lesser Holds? There is more to hear at the main Gather but sometimes what you hear there is moderated by the presence of guards and Hold staff. And while I would love to be able to do two Gathers in a day, I confess that having to hike in and out of the Hold on the roads instead of having Calcifeth take me right to the front door makes the timing tight."
**I have definitely chosen the right person for the job,** Saibra thought.
"Shadow Mountain, west of the old Amethyst Cliff ruins, is holding a Gather. I think that would be the best place for you to go and have no chance of being recognized." Some of the more important individuals at Amber Hills were often present at Dragonsfall's Hatchings and so there could be some risk of one of them recognizing H'run. Shadow Mountain, however, was a little more remote.
"Even if you wished me to go to Amber Hills Hold m'lady, I can assure you that there would be little chance of me being recognized." H'run smiled. "When one is expecting a firelizard, it's hard to see a little brown snake."
The Weyrwoman opened one of her desk drawers, withdrew a pouch, and tossed it to H'run. The sound of marks jingled as it was caught. "For food and a little bit of fun... but not _too_ much fun."
The pouch quickly disappeared. "Much appreciated."
"When you return I'll expect a report immediately, but we can do that over some good wine."
Last updated on the April 7th 2024