To The Hold! (Attn: Ve'jas)
Tawny
to preen the stray blood that marred her green hide. She had woken
early and begun hunting immediately before dawn attempting to sate her
hunger before they left for the hold. She didn't need her rider to do
such a thing and with the way he had been acting lately she knew he
would of limited her the amount of game she was allowed to have.
With her first calling W'vryn flung his arm grumpily at the empty side
of his bed a snort escaping him. The green rider made no further
attempt to stir.
<<Wake up now or I will have Hyshkath's rider to drag you from bed,>>
The green's tone didn't not resemble her normally calm and very soft
voice.
Lifting his head W'vryn's eyes fixated on the green's glowing hide.
Her hue had lightened this morning, and she appeared to have blood
smeared all over her muzzle. There was no time to bathe her properly
before going to the hold.
"Couldn't eat any cleaner?"
<<I was starving>>
"Don't get any ideas until we get home," W'vryn said as he rose and
dressed for the day's outing, a sour look fixated upon his face.
<<What ideas?>>
>>Is Hyshkath's rider awake?<< W'vryn inquired ignoring his Green's intentional question as he sat long enough to pull on his long riding boots.
<<Of course>>
>>Let him know that I'm getting us breakfast and that I'll meet him in the bowl<< Pulling the green's harness from the wall he immediate set to strapping it carefully to Amroth's neck, the dragon constantly fidgeting beneath his administrations.
<<I want to go >>
Adjusting the final strap, W'vryn released his grip on the leather
straps. "Go, I'll meet you in the bowl," W'vryn said taking a moment
to grab his wher hide jacket and a spare carisack before heading down
to the kitchens.
It was early enough that most of the staff wouldn't be awake as of
yet, beyond the pastry girl and the few people assigned to prepping
the morning meal. Slipping down the stairs in a hasty jog, W'vryn
turned into the dining hall. The tables were clean and set again for
the meaning meal, something that W'vryn was almost glad to be missing.
He wasn't in the mood to put up with anyone this morning he wasn't
allowed to take a swing at.
As he entered the kitchens his gaze shifted around the work tables
immediately finding a fresh tray of meat rolls cooling. The girl who
was suppose to be tending them sitting at a nearby work space her head
down upon her arms. "I'm taking some," W'vryn grunted at Faelon whose
brown eyes opened slightly to stare at him before absently waving her
hand, her eyes closing again.
"Lazy girl," W'vryn snapped snatching a nearby cloth and wrapping
several inside. Why was it the lower cavern personnel seemed to do
nothing about the weyr? Why hadn't Nerys corrected it. Immediately his
anger began to ring through him again as he hurried through the
deserted halls not carrying how noisy his boots were against the black
stone beneath his feet.
"Stupid weyr," His grumbles continued as he finally reached the
darkened bowl, Amroth settled waiting for him all too quietly. "Where
is Ve'jas?" W'vryn yelled just as a cross breeze washed across his
face.
Shai
rider. He hummed softly, a happy note to his voice as his rider
pulled the last of his riding straps in place.
"Already?" Ve'jas replied dryly, in a far lighter mood than his voice
might suggest. He hopped down from atop the brown, stepping back to
study him carefully. "Oil, tonight." He did not need to say more for
the dragon was already tossing his head a bit in expectation.
<< In that case, I can't wait to be home. >> His hide was not itchy,
though as all dragons do, he relished the attention.
Chuckling, Ve'jas turned away from his dragon, putting on only the
most essential riding gear. The jacket, gloves and helmet could wait
for now. "Tell me, how are they this morning?"
<< Oh, well he is very cross. I don't know if it is just Amroth, or
if he really is angry about something. And Amroth, >> the Brown
practically gushed, << is absolutely stunning. I think she's brighter
today. It looks like she was just now oiled and washed... >>
"Thank you, Hyshkath." Ve'jas rolled his eyes and went over in his
mind what they might need. He had extra straps and rope in case the
Hold saw fit to give them some of the Weyr's tithe today. He had
Olethym's list and a large sheet of canvas to set over Hyshkath's hide
just in case. "I think that's about it. Let's go visit Amroth while
we wait for W'vryn."
<< He said he was getting breakfast for both of you. >>
"Did he? I'm touched," the rider said in a mockingly affected tone.
He grabbed his gear and climbed up onto his dragon's back. "I hope he
hasn't poisoned it," he added as Hyshkath made his way out onto the
ledge and hopped into open air.
As W'vryn shouted out the brownrider's name, Hyshkath landed near
W'vryn's Green, calling to Amroth with a soft coo. Ve'jas yelled
right back down to W'vryn in a harsh tone, though his smile was broad
as he ignored the other man's sour mood. "What took you so long? I
thought you said dawn, not midday?"
( tag Mr. Sunshine! xD )
Shai
rolls greedily, taking time to swallow it before he even dared to
answer. "If you want I can finish your breakfast by mid-day," W'vryn
retorted as Amroth moved closer to him trying to encourage her rider
to her high shoulder.
"Hope you're not hungry," W'vryn said as he shoved the last of the
steaming meat roll in his mouth clutching the other three tightly in
the cloth as he leapt to Amroth's shoulder. "I'm sure the Hold has
poisoned some food for us," W'vryn muttered as he finally swallowed.
Ve'jas eyed the greenrider for a moment as he bolted his food then
clutched the lot of what was left to his person. The brownrider
shrugged and slid his riding jacket on. Well, so much for free food.
"Take as long as you want; if you want everyone in the Bowl to watch
you eat until midday..." he trailed off with a wolfish grin. "But in
that case I'm afraid I'd be leaving without you."
"I doubt it," W'vryn replied as he pulled one of the stray meat rolls
from the cloth and dangled it out toward the brown rider. "I'm sure
Hyshkath doesn't want to stray from Amroth too long," He didn't even
have to look at the Brown rider to imagine the look that might of
crossed his face. Amroth had leaned closer to the brown at that point;
whether it was to prove a point or to allow the cloth with the food to
come closer to Ve'jas, W'vryn wasn't sure.
Smirking, the brownrider fastened his jacket then pulled on his
gloves. He looked up to see W'vryn actually holding out the sack of
meat rolls. Generosity? Naw, he was going to force Ve'jas to climb
around on their dragons for it like a trained animal. There was no
way he could reach it, even with Amroth huddled up close to Hyshkath.
And so, a climb... He crossed his arms, pointedly not replying to
W'vryn's comment about his dragon. Hyshkath was not a problem, it was
the Green. Though perhaps it was her rider that was the problem?
Amroth was not the one acting like she had eaten a piece of sour fruit
for breakfast. "No, that's all right," he said finally with a wicked
grin, "I already helped the pastry chef test her wares this morning.
And I'm sure you need all of what's in that bag." W'vryn was just too
easy.
Hyshkath's eyes flashed for a moment with worry. << Perhaps you
should ease up on him? You might worry Amroth. >>
>> Hmm... << Should he have handled him with kid gloves? Perhaps. Was it rash of him to keep prodding the greenrider? Probably. Would it make the Holders' lives miserable? Absolutely.
It took everything within the Green Rider to hold himself back as he
quickly stored the pastries along Amroth's saddle. He was not in the
mood to deal with the brown rider now and it showed as he encouraged
Amroth of the ground not long after securing his jacket. He was not in
the mood to wait for the Brown Rider any longer and if he had too.
<<Where are we going?>>
>>To the hold<< W'vryn replied his heart pounding loudly in his chest as the wind wailed against his ears. His eyes closing for a brief moment as he visualized the stone walls and the great structure of the hold itself.
<<I've got it>> The green said as she easily skipped the short
distance bursting into the fresh sunlight mere seconds above the holds
stone walls. Below people had stopped their doings to goggle the
glowing greens hide. Something that Amroth took very well as she
rumbled in her own amusement. <<Where should we land?>> The green
inquired as she took a wide circle above the hold.
>>Near the door. I don't feel like walking.<<
Hyshkath was two wingbeats behind Amroth into the air. He wanted to
give her enough room to maneuver. He circled once on a wingtip,
twice, before taking Ve'jas' coordinates and jumping Between. His
rider counted the heartbeats until they emerged with the customary
blast of super-chilled air. Hyshkath rumbled with amusement as he
spoke: << Amroth says her rider wants to land near the front entrance.
>>
>> That's fine. Looks like everyone is giving a wide berth anyway. What's so funny? <<
<< She says they are staring at her shining hide. >>
Good, was his initial thought as Ve'jas glanced down at the gathering
people. They were indeed staring at something, but not in shock. >>
Tell me, do they seem like they were expecting us? <<
<< I could ask her if her rider thinks so... >>
>> Yes, do that. << Something was definitely up, and it became that much more evidant as they landed. People had only scrambled to get out of the way; their faces, at least those of the Lord Holder and his attendants as they approached, were not in the least surprised.
<<Hyshkath's rider feels they've been expecting us>>
>>They sure look like it.<< W'vryn thought the scowl returning to his face as Amroth dipped toward the cobble stones before neatly backwinging to a stop a few feet from the group that waited for them in the hold. Things were definitely not right.
<<Tell Ve'jas to be cautious>> W'vryn said as he took his time to
remove himself from his green's neck, before his feet dropped to the
cobble stones below. He was going to make them way for him as long as
he wanted them too, as he wanted them to know exactly who was in
charge. He was not about to let them set the pace of this visit.
Finally stripping the jacket from his slim shoulders W'vryn tossed it
to the saddle above straightening his tunic before turning to face the
party. Voices echoing around him as he waited Ve'jas to join him.
Presence was the only card they had left at this point.
<< Amroth's rider agrees with your observation and advises caution.
>> Following his previous pattern, Hyshkath paced the Green to the
ground at a gentlemanly distance. Once on the ground he stepped
closer to her.
>> No, spread out a bit more. Take up as much room as you need to be more than comfortable. <<
<< I would be more comfortable closer to Amroth, ridermine. She's so
-- >>
>> Yes, and we want use of the full impact of her bright hide. If the Lord Holder knew we were coming ahead of time, he probably also knew Amroth's due to rise. It won't hurt anyone if we give them an eye-blinding reminder. Step back, << the brownrider retorted. He waited until his dragon had stepped aside several paces before removing his riding gear. He took his time folding the gloves into his jacket and unwrapping the braid of raven hair from under his helmet.
Once on the ground, Ve'jas joined W'vryn before they stepped forward.
"Would you like to lead our little discussion or shall I," he muttered
under his breath with a little smirk.
"After you," W'vryn said electing a small bow to allow the Brown Rider
to take the lead as they approached the small party that awaited them
up on the steps. One face looking familiar to the Green Rider beyond
the fact that he was the Steward of the hold. Rather he looked like
one of the men at the weyr. Watching Ve'jas's face as he lead the way
W'vryn smirked inwardly. There was nothing like watching the man deal
with his own people. Perhaps it was their indication of the treatment
he presented which kept them from breaking into friendly reminiscing.
"Why thank you my good man," Ve'jas said with a mockingly formal tone
as he inclined his head to the other rider and headed off toward the
gathering at the stairs. He noticed the Steward as W'vryn had,
recognizing him for a relation of Avarin. His only indication of that
knowledge however was a quick quirk of his brow. He turned to the
Lord Holder as they arrived, with a courtly bow. In the same motion
that brought him erect again, he brought out a few carefully rolled
skins. "Greetings from Ista Weyr. We present the customary tithing
request, including a list from the infirmary for your healers."
( tag! )
Lys Phillips
Then the one said somethign she barely caught. They wanted their supplies. For the Weyr? When everyone on the Island knew they needed them at the Hold? They were kidding, right?
--
Lys
atreide...@gmail.com
Weyrleader V'tor of Ista
"Who do I owe posts to, again?"
Tawny
including a list from the infirmary for your healers." ~
Even as the Brown Rider attempted to show his respects to the gathered
crowd the hairs on the back of Nalian's neck was standing on end. It
was like this every 6 month or so as the riders would make their
entreaty for supplies and he and the Lord Holder would have to fight
to keep ever scrap of valuable asset of the Hold's intact.
"Welcome to Ista Hold," Nalian found himself saying begrudingly as he
would be the official voice for Lord Anul until they had settled to
the table for bargaining. "As the Steward I welcome you to our humble
hold and invite you to dine with the Lord and I this morning so we can
better discuss the needs of the Weyr this 6 month."
Returning the brown rider's bow Nalian raised with the grace of many
turns of practice. "Let us adjourn inside shall we Lords?" He had
moved forward to collect the scrolls as the Lord holder would lead the
way allowing his steward ample time to graze over the scrolls
presented. Even as Nalian's hands wrapped about the scroll's his eyes
moved from the brown rider to the shorter man just over his shoulder,
and the strange coloring of his green. His eyes narrowed slightly as
he bit his tongue resisting making any comment about the Green's
precarious coloring or how closely the Brown tried to make himself
closer to her. She was due to rise by the signs and from what he had
learned on his few occasions of visiting the Weyr.
"If your dragons require nourishment or water we have both set aside
for them to enjoy as we discuss business." The last thing he wanted
was the Green to rise in the Hold's courtyard sending her lust into
every inch of the hold. When the brown rider finally relinquished hold
on the scrolls Nalian immediately opened the smallest list his eyes
passing down the list. Herbs all needed for healing. Quickly his eyes
passed around the small courtyard looking for any healer available and
falling upon the small form of Michiko.
"Let us proceed," Lord Anul said finally as he motioned toward W'vryn
and Ve'jas to follow him Nalian pausing long enough to call out to the
small dark haired girl, "Michiko, Michiko I need you to collect these
from your master's stores"
~*~
Even as they passed into the dimly lit hold W'vryn's attention kept
flitting over his shoulder toward the Steward who lagged behind and
the few people that followed him in. They had known they were coming
had known and were planning something what he couldn't be sure. The
Lord Holder made small talk noting anything new or different about the
hold, but W'vryn's attention focused behind him. He didn't want anyone
to move on him without him knowing it. Not that they would try
anything not with their dragons in the bowl and others not so far
away, but he didn't feel comfortable. He was so confused and
conflicted his bleeding emotions all over the place. Quickening his
pace the Green rider closed the distance between him and Ve'jas's
elbow. Why had Nerys made them come and who had warned them that they
were coming.
>>Amroth tell Issashanth that the Hold knew we were coming and we may have a difficult time this morning<< W'vryn pathed as he conitnued to ignore the Lord Holder's banter. So annoying their formalities were.
>>I don't like this one bit, you don't go off and eat even though you are invited too<<
<<I promise I wont>> The green said her tone sounding strained.
<<I have told Issashanth and hers said that we must keep the
upperhand...>> This phrase had always confused the green as she had no
hands to compare it to.
(TAG Ve'jas, Michiko and anyone who wants to partcipate)
Shai
only a hint of nostalgia. It seemed to him that Nalian had always
been ambitious ('and stuffy, and organized, obsessive perhaps?' he
added to himself with an imperceptible grin) enough to earn a job like
Steward of the Hold. Thus, he had never been closer than a brief
acquaintance, though he had spent much time with his brother Avarin at
the hold's Harper Hall, once upon a time.
He glanced back at W'vryn at a thought of the meat rolls the
Greenrider had snagged from the kitchens back home. Was he still
hoarding them in his shirt, or had he stashed them away somewhere?
Would he have room enough to eat again? Would he be too upset to even
try?
He followed Nalian's disapproving glance back at their dragons and
perhaps for the first time, consciously noticed their striking
contrast between deep brown and shining green hides. For the visual
effect, it was good that he had decided to keep them separated, though
Hyshkath seemed to be having difficulty following directions. >> Step
back, Hyshkath. I will not tell you again. <<
The Brown's mind suddenly filled with images of ostracization to the
Hold's heights, or perhaps in the forest somewhere. Ve'jas was not
particular, as long as it kept him away from Amroth. He meekly
retreated, somehow managing not to look, as he felt, like a whipped
puppy. << I did not do anything... >>
>> Not yet, but the Steward noticed you, and so did I. << Ignoring his dragon's profound sulking, he continued, >> You have been given permission to use the Hold's herd as you need. <<
There was a pause as Hyshkath glanced at Amroth for a moment. <<
Amroth has eaten already this morning. I am not hungry yet. Perhaps
tomorrow..? >>
The suggestiveness in the dragon's tone was unmistakable as Ve'jas
released his focus on Hyshkath and back to the discussion at hand.
Perhaps it was just as well. If they refused such an offering, it
might convey a clear message of the Weyr's rigidity. They would not
allow the Hold to give any less than what was on the tithing list,
just because a couple of dragons had decided they were hungry. He
could hope for every angle, couldn't he?
As they were about to go inside, Nalian called to a girl in the
gathered crowd. Her posture and the determined set of her jaw as she
stood there gave her a very spirited air, despite her diminutive
frame. Perhaps it was too soon to judge, but within the next few
turns, she could make a worthy adversary for anyone that crossed her.
For the weyrling Greenrider's sake, he hoped this girl would not be
too much trouble, though she would probably see Olethym's signature
and do as asked.
Pair those two healers up, and the Weyr could have a lot of trouble in
store for it. Hopefully she would remain at the Hold indefinitely.
Allowing Lord Anul the lead inside, Ve'jas was closely followed by
W'vryn, and a few others. He noticed the Steward take the back. This
was it. As soon as the pleasantries were over, they would get right
down to business. While it was always amusing to watch others debate,
Ve'jas did not like to 'play politician.' He and W'vryn would have to
fight in the Weyrleaders' stead for every last scrap owed to the Weyr
for their role in the ancient contract between all Weyrs and their
beholden. Tithes for protection; perhaps the agreement's balance was
skewed, and perhaps the term 'protection' was subjective - especially
when it came from this particular Weyr. In the beginning, Ve'jas had
been a Crafter long enough to at least witness the wrong end of the
Weyr's long arm of 'justice.' But he had a tradition to uphold, no
matter how warped it had become on this island. And that was the crux
of the matter, as he had also been on the right end at other Weyrs.
He knew it could work.
The Brownrider returned Anul's small talk politely as they discussed
news about the Hold, naturally interested because he had spent much of
his childhood here. He asked about certain projects that had been
ongoing since their previous visits, and about people he remembered
from turns ago. He never brought up a new topic, only asking after
those brought up in natural discussion. He also never divulged
information about the Weyr he thought might compromise either their
position here today, or that which might benefit the Hold later on
against the Weyr.
Throughout all of this, he noticed W'vryn's silence, but did not
glance back at him until he felt someone bump into his elbow. It was
then that he saw the Greenrider's dark, profoundly worried
expression. Perhaps it was a subtle look, but he had been working
with W'vryn long enough to know. >> Hyshkath, please have Amroth try
to calm down W'vryn. He needs to remain in control of himself if
we're to make any progress today. They will take any perceived
weakness and use it against the Weyr. << He hesitated to ask more
directly for any help from the Greenrider. He really had no way of
knowing how badly W'vryn was doing unless he was told by the dragons,
or unless he started a brawl. Wonderful. Tiptoe around the Holders,
and around his 'partner in crime.' Wonderful day. But at least it
was full of sweet, sweet ironies.
It was then that Hyshkath told him that Nerys knew about their
betrayal to the Hold. >> Good. Please tell me the instant you
receive any new instructions from them, if any. <<
( tag! )
Lys Phillips
Tawny
“I
will attempt to negotiate a smaller portion if you can request that your
Masters investigate what we are able to spare to cover the major list. I will
need the details as soon as possible. As for the minor list please make sure it
is filled in full and ready to go by the time the riders are leaving,”
Nalian said briskly his attention moving back toward the party just a head.
Finding the Green Rider’s head craning to stare back at him with a
purposeful stare. Was it a dare on behalf of the rider? He would be more
than happy to take that Green Rider on right here and now. He had hated
that man the first time they had met and he still hated him now. The vein on
the side of his jaw had begun to jump in time with his heart.
No this was not the time to cause a war between the weyr and the hold. “Please
quickly Michiko,” Nalian said in a rushed tone, “They should be
ready to leave within an hour.”
(Tag Michiko)
Lys Phillips
*~*~*
Nearly half a candlemark later, she had a small bundle of herbs wrapped separately, then together in a larger package to protect them. They had a good half of what the Weyr wanted in abundance, but getting the specific rarer ones was a bit tougher, as most of those weren't in season, and the Hold was running low as it was. She'd had her master write a note saying such, and he had added that as soon as they were in season once more, they would send a double order on to the Weyr as a supplement....
Michiko boldly walked the package over to the green dragon, speaking to it as if she were an errant runner of some sort. "We haven't got but this. We'll have to get the rest to the Weyr later. Do you understand?"
Tawny Harris
~"We haven't got but this. We'll have to get the rest to the Weyr later. Do you understand?" ~
(tag Mii)
Tawny
Even as the Green Rider heard the random comment from Amroth, W'vryn
attempted to tune her out. She surely was having a random conversation with
Hyshkath over what he couldn't be sure. What would the brown assume that his
green was not smart enough to comprehend.
His head tilted slightly as he stared at Ve'jas's back, the man making eye
contact with him briefly but returning to the Lord Holder once more. Did he
know what their dragons were talking about? Scowling deeply, W'vryn's
attention moved back to glancing over his shoulder.
The Steward was still following hands wrapped around the list of demands his
lips pressed into thin lines. Oh he apparently didn't agree with the list.
W'vryn thought a smirk coloring his features as he met the man's eyes
briefly.
The look that W'vryn found wasn't what he expected, he was met with a look
that screamed challenge me. Instantly a snarl curled at his features as his
boot heels hit the stone floor loudly as he came to a halt.
"That's it," W'vryn growled moving quickly to approach the steward just
outside of the dining hall. His hands bawled at his hips as he closed the
distance between them. Nalian's eyes flashing dangerously as he threw down
the lists he carried his arms lifting in his own defense.
"Get him out of here," Nalian roared taking a few steps back as the Green
Rider advance on him.
(Tag Ve'jas)
-----Original Message-----
From: is...@googlegroups.com [mailto:is...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of
Shai
Sent: Friday, September 14, 2007 9:23 PM
To: Ista7
Subject: [Ista Weyr] Re: To The Hold! (Attn: Lys)
Shai
Ve'jas almost did a double-take when he glanced back at W'vryn. His expression had been dangerously uncontrolled. However, the Lord Holder's current line of discussion demanded more attention. It was a mistake. The scuffle of boots and slam of scrolls on stone floor spun the Brownrider around. As they were near the dining hall, Ve'jas lost no time nudging the Greenrider's shoulder against a nearby wall with a snake-smooth gesture that might have seemed almost chummy under other circumstances. That was, after all, the idea. "What..." he said with particular emphasis, "seems to be the matter?" A hawklike glare pinned W'vryn warningly, though the Brownrider flashed a toothy grin.
He turned to Nalian, annoyed by his display of cowardice. Eyeing the lists strewn about on the floor, he leaned away from W'vryn (though he kept a hand firmly planted on his shoulder to keep him from doing anything hasty). "Something on the List you don't agree with, perhaps?"
(whee, tag!)
Lys Phillips
"Good." Michiko didn't move from her place. "I'm going to stay here until that man comes back. I'll have to explain to him that we don't have everything he wants...." She was perturbed at that, and doubted the green beast's rider would even understand the delicate situation Nalian had put her in.
Lys
Tawny
~"I'm going to stay here until that man comes back. I'll have to explain to him that we don't have everything he wants...."~
<<You will want to speak to Hyshkath’s, mine is
attempting to flirt with another man>> The words the Green’s words sounded
off, but she couldn’t explain as to why Hyshkath’s rider was attempting to
detain her own at the moment. It confused her on why he always seemed to get so
upset when forced to be in this place.
<<Hyshkath>> Amroth called beseechingly toward the Brown, her head
lifting to stare at the brown. <<She will need to speak to your rider… I
want to take her with me, can I have her? She is intelligent, she understands
me.>>
(Tag Mii and Hyshkath)
From:
is...@googlegroups.com [mailto:is...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Lys
Phillips
Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2007 10:06 AM
To: is...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [Ista Weyr] Re: To The Hold! (Attn: Lys)
Michiko set her jaw, not expecting quite the intelligent answer she got from the great green beast.
Shai
watched them for a moment or two. He turned to look out over the
square to keep an eye on the hustle and bustle. The last thing he
wanted would be to accidentally hit someone with his tail, or to step
on them. He had not received any new information from Issashanth or
orders from Ve'jas, bided his time soaking up as much sun as
possible. His dark hide made this very easy, but the burning heat
radiating from his back and wings was pleasant to him. It was even
nice enough to more or less ignore Amroth and her condition.
When the Green bespoke him however, she had his complete attention.
<< Yes, Amroth? >> His inner eyelids slid open as he rose up and
stretched a little, to regard her. He was a little surprised to see
Michiko still standing nearby. The girl wanted to speak with Ve'jas?
That was strange. Perhaps there was something wrong with the Tithe.
There was always something wrong, so his rider sometimes complained.
<< I will tell Ve'jas that you are here to speak with him, >> the
Brown said to Michiko with his characteristically quiet mental voice.
<< Ve'jas, >> the Brown asked his rider tentatively, << that healer
girl is here and wants to talk with you when you get back. >>
There was a pause and reply was strained, as if the Brownrider was in
the middle of something challenging. >> All right, Hyshkath... <<
He looked back up at Amroth curiously then, confused by her request.
<< You want to keep her? I think you would have to talk it over with
her. And I don't think your rider would want to share you with her,
>> he replied with light humor. << Do you think she would make a good
rider? >> he asked, looking at Michiko with sudden interest.
( tag! )