Shaking Things Up

Writers: Devin, Miriah
Date Posted: 17th May 2015

Characters: Vestian, N'vanik
Description: N'vanik comes to Vestian for a bit of assistance.
Location: Harper Hall
Date: month 12, day 24 of Turn 7
Notes: Cyradis, J'ackt, Corowal

Vestian

N'vanik

The arrival of the Weyrleader caused a bit of a stir, curious people
not-so-subtly watching the huge bronze dragon as he landed in the
square.

It didn't take long for a runner to reach Vestian's office. The young
apprentice was out of breath as he rushed into the office, disturbing
Vestian as he was just about to lay a coat of primer on a new canvas.
The Hallmaster frowned darkly at the interruption, but the stumbling
words from the boy about they Weyrleader arriving, cleared his
expression. He sent the boy on his way and hurried to the square,
looking up at the bronze with a questioning gaze. "Fair skies,
Weyrleader." He approached and greeted Loseth with respect, but kept
his gaze on N'vanik. "Your visit is unexpected."

"Sorry if I disturbed you. I have a small matter to discuss." N'vanik
pulled a bottle from his small carrisack. "I brought some of Cyradis's
Citroncello."

"You are always welcome here, Weyrleader." Vestian's smile grew wider
and his brows lifted. "Please, join me in my office." He glanced
around at those watching and cleared his throat. "You all have
studies, I believe." He watched with satisfaction as those in the
square slowly drew back. "Sorry, N'vanik, but we don't always have
bronze dragons landing in the middle of the day."

Vestian led N'vanik to his office, opened the door and gestured to the
seat near his desk before closing it behind both of them. "It must be
an important matter if Cyradis let you go with some of her wine." He
brought out two cups. "What can I help you with?"

N'vanik pulled a hide from his pocket. "I've come across a little
problem. I'm guessing you heard about the incident between one of my
weyrlings and a Hold guard?" Harpers were even worse gossips than
weyrfolk.

"It's been hard not to hear about it. Different versions of the story
from different people. All inflated, I hope." He took the hide and
opened it, flicking his gaze over the lyrics. "Ah. I've heard this
one."

"I'd like to commission a song from the Harper Hall to tell the true
story of that weyrling." N'vanik poured them each a cup.

Vestian sat back, both brows arching. "Really." He stroked his goatee.
"Fighting fire with fire?" The Masterharper chuckled softly. "Aye, you
could commission a song easily, but how it spreads depends on the
story of the weyrling. It's easier for the small folk to see the Weyr
as dangerous considering the differences in beliefs."

"Oh, this a good one. A boy forced to be holdless by his evil father,
fighting to survive on his own. Being told he was worthless, then
coming to the weyr and Impressing a bronze dragon. Small folk love the
idea of someone lowly proving themselves." N'vanik took a sip, the
flavor of the Citroncello filling his mouth. Cyradis really did know
her stuff.

Vestian's brows rose high in surprise and he began scribbling down
notes. "I could see how this would be popular. But we need something
to counter the guard that seems to be the trouble." He sat back a
little and tapped his mouth. "I'm no great composer myself, but even I
enjoy songs with trials and tribulations. Where would the guard come
in and why would he be there? I've heard the other songs and they
paint a far prettier vision of a guard than you are suggesting."

N'vanik sighed. "The truth is the guard's father was injured by
J'ackt, back when the boy escaped Emerald Falls custody." He gave a
wry smile. "I told you it was a good story. That part might need a
little... help."

That made Vestian pause as he considered his notes. "I see." His brow
furrowed. "This puts me in a bit of a quandary, you see. We could spin
this song to make Emerald Falls look like one of the villains, but I
also deal regularly with Corowal. That might make things a
bit...touchy. However, I do not censor my singers or my composers." He
rubbed his chin. "So, a hot head guard decides to try to murder this
poor Holdless boy who was just trying to better himself by being a
weyrling. We can work that without causing too much political
turmoil."

"Yeah, the blame goes on the guard. Corowal made a bit of a fuss, but
he distanced himself from the guard and his actions. I don't want this
to be Hold against Weyr." He had one of the weyr harpers working on a
more direct counter to the tavern song. That one might stir up anger.

Taking another sip of Cyradis' citroncello, Vestian enjoyed the flavor
while looking at the hide. He gave a slow smile. "I think we can do
this for the Weyr, N'vanik." He leaned forward and tapped on the hide.
"Provided one thing."

N'vanik arched one eyebrow. "And what is that?"

"Bring the boy to the ball we're having for Turns End. I want to play
his version then."

That surprised a laugh out of N'vanik. "Shards, he'll want to kill me.
Yeah I'll bring him, even if I have to drag him here. Of course, your
Hold neighbors will be less than pleased." N'vanik would have to make
sure J'ackt stayed within the Hall, although he didn't think that part
would be much of a problem.

Vestian gave a little smile. "Well, actually meeting the boy that all
the rumors are about might dispel some of the rumors floating about."
He flashed a sly smile. "And it will make the ball so much more
interesting, don't you think? People will want to come just to see
what might happen."

"Hallmaster Vestian, I suspect you might be a bit of a troublemaker."
And having the Harper Hall on his side would come in very handy.

"Perhaps a bit." He agreed easily. "It's time to shake up this Hall as it
is."

"Moving and getting a new Hallmaster wasn't enough of a shake up?"
N'vanik took another sip, his smile amused.

"Old news, my friend." Vestian's lip tilted. "If we get too settled
and too content, I'm afraid we'll get stagnant. It's my job to keep
this Hall on its toes." He raised a glass to N'vanik. "You're helping
me with that."

N'vanik lifted his own glass. "Well, happy I could help, then."

Last updated on the May 21st 2015

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Shaking Things Up