[Open-Fort Riders] An emergency meeting

[spaceman]

((OOC Note -- This meeting is open to "loyal" Fort riders. Given that this RP hasn't been open long, I'm going by profiles and honor system, here. If your character is secretly opposed to Valoryn but hasn't spoken openly against her, or a mutant rider but they've been hiding their ability, then they still count as loyal, as she isn't aware IC of their real thoughts.))

Valoryn was not at all pleased.

She paced back and forth along one wall of the meeting room, expression frigid. She'd sent messages to a few of her best riders, requesting that they meet her here after the morning meal. She'd picked out the loyal riders, the ones she trusted most... well, with the exception of one, but that one was deep under cover at Skysong already.

And speaking of that agent on the inside, she'd recently received a message that Skysong had a clutch on the sands. That message had been delivered directly to her chambers... And then, quite suddenly, it had disappeared. Someone, she was sure, had stolen it from her. By now, its contents could be anywhere -- could be delivered back into the hands of Skysong's Weyrwoman via any of the dozens of firelizards that flitted in and out every day. The idea that Skysong had a spy in Fort Weyr, as she had one in Skysong, was... disturbing, but not unexpected. She would deal with it, as she had dealt with everything else.

Peace, my dear, Amaranth urged gently. You have your faithful allies. They will help you.

Her shoulders unstiffened slightly, and she reluctantly slowed her pacing. I know. It's just... This isn't just keeping control of the dangerous element anymore. This could be outright war. If they choose to try to attack us pre-emptively...

Then we will meet them, and defend our home, Amaranth replied mildly. But I do not think it will come to that.

I wish I could share your confidence...

[Rin]

Alora was finishing up her morning meal, deep in thought about the emergency meeting later that morning and was taking quick gulps of klah and trying to finish off the fruit she had on her plate so that she wasn’t late for the meeting. It has not started yet.[/color] Xerith reassured her rider from the ledge she was sunning herself on. Alora quickly thanked the Green dragon as she finished up her meal and headed out towards the ledge. Xerith lifted her head to gaze at her rider, and crooned encouragement to her. I’m sure you, the Weyrwoman, and the others will fix what ever is wrong. The Green told her. Your right, Alora replied and wrapped her arms around the Green’s muzzle for a brief moment before turning away to head to the meeting room, knowing Xerith would be listening in.

“Greetings Weyrwoman,” Alora spoke politely in her usual friendly tone as she entered the meeting room and stood behind one of the chairs. Despite her Green being hatched from the same clutch as the mutant colors, Alora did not feel any loyalty to them because the prospect of what they were able to do scared her a little bit. She remembered at the hatching the damage the little Black dragon had caused and she had heard rumors about what some of the other dragons could do. Even her own Green dragon’s Acid breath scared her a little even though she knew the Green would never hurt her or anyone else. She was also slightly confused why the Weyrwoman let the five orgingal colored dragons stay despite them have mutations, but she wasn’t going to question authority. After all she liked living in Fort Weyr.

Alora could feel the Green listening in to her thoughts. Forgive me Xerith. You none of the thoughts are of you. Sometimes I just wonder if their dragons have the same restraint you do against humans. I don’t know, but I would protect you from them.[/color] Xerith replied, the last part was said that with such determination that Alora’s worries suddenly went away. Even though Xerith was only a Green and a large Green at that she would protect their home like any other dragon would.

[spaceman]

Valoryn turned as Alora greeted her, expression softening to a warm smile for the Greenrider. "Greetings, Alora. Thank you for coming."

Let no one say that greenriders were any less worthy than the other colors. Alora and her like were proof enough of that! First to arrive... Faithful, reliable riders, that's what she needed. Swift of wing and strong of heart, as the dragonriders had always been. Protectors of Pern. It was reassuring to know that even in these difficult times, she still had hope for the future.

And her layabout Weyrleader was nowhere in sight. Probably off cavorting with some barely-of-age Candidate girl. Again. Honestly, given his tendencies, she'd suspect him of something, if she thought he was capable of it.

She took a deep breath. This was a painful subject, but there was no point beating around the bush. "I hope you'll forgive me being blunt, but... There's no kind way to say it. I fear we have a Skysong spy here at Fort somewhere. I received an extremely important letter, only to find it missing from my chambers when I returned to read it again. The contents were -- sensitive material, and I fear it may already be in the hands of the Skysong Weyrleader and Weyrwoman."

"That said... I'm going to have to accelerate our plans. As far as most of the Weyr is concerned, I am headed to Fort Hold for a routine meeting." She paused, sighed, wondering how much to reveal. It was not that she did not trust Alora... but only that she didn't want to worry the greenrider. There was a chance that Valoryn would not return from Skysong. "In truth, I will be implementing certain emergency measures -- it will be a dangerous task, I won't lie. But it must be done."

[Amejisuto]

If she was lying, one would be hard pressed to tell. Innaria had learned to make her face and mind a mask that was hard to discern the true emotion from. She had heard about the meeting, thanks to Lyeoth. It was for 'loyal' riders. She had to keep up her facade of support, for fear that the Rebellion had fallen. She was glad to hear that there had been an exchange of material. Fear burst through her though, for the clutch on Skysong Grounds. What was Valoryn going to do to it? She straightened her tunic and entered the chambers.

"Weyrwoman Valoryn." She said as she bowed at the waist. Her mind serene and calm, her eyes focused on the woman before her. This would be important, especially for the Rebellion. She had to make sure that she and the other riders were not discovered. But it seemed that already the Weyrwoman knew there was a Skysong spy in the Weyr. Well this made her job a little harder. Her mind turned towards Lyeoth, who comforted her in a gentle crooning manner.

Innaria sighed and looked at the present greenrider. A spark of sadness went through her. Human beings were afraid of that which they didn't understand. If it scared you, fear it. If you fear it, alienate or kill it. It was the sad truth of humans.

[spaceman]

Ah, good. Innaria had arrived. While Valoryn had her own, well, concerns about gold Lyeoth -- the dragon seemed somewhat less than stable -- Innaria herself was a fine young woman. A little too light-hearted for Valoryn's tastes sometimes, but when she got serious, she did get serious. Like now. Apparently she had some special lesson in the works for certain riders, forming a unit to fight Acid specially. Good initiative, there. The kind of forward-thinking that she could appreciate. Goldriders sticking together and all, eh?

"Innaria, I hate to frighten you, but..." She looked the younger woman in the eye, expression grave. "If, Faranth forbid, I should not return... I expect the chance is very slim, but nothing is impossible in these strange days. And if it should come to pass that Amaranth and I fall, I am counting on you. You must hold the Weyr together, until Lyeoth rises." A sharp pain caught in her chest at the thought of her beloved Gold being injured, and only Amaranth's gentle wave of reassurance through her mind allowed Valoryn's expression to remain calm. She had no doubt that if she should fall, Innaria would be the next Weyrwoman... and she would make a fine one.