Gallant Fool (K'ivan)

[J'raya]

It is done, Rai. I have told Baizynth that you wish to see K'ivan-not-Mine here, in the Guardian's weyr.

Here? You're out sunning your lazy arse on the Rim.

And a sharding fine arse-sunning it is, too, was the retort, and J'raya laughed, the sound echoing faintly in the empty weyr that was meeting place to these unusual protectors of Pern and it's honour.

Though it wasn't that unusual, he knew, just unusual in the context that really, Pern should only need protectors against Thread. Unfortunately, human nature did not decree it to be that way. J'raya knew that all too well, and the harsh scarring slashing over his right cheekbone, ending just under his eye and hampering the growth of whatever small stubble he could have grown at it's beginning, was testament to the fact that he knew of the unrest and cruel greed that did permeate the world. And that was just in his home Weyr of Igen.

When he had expressed a desire to learn more of the Guardians and perhaps join them, Tsunade had rolled her eyes good-naturedly and told him he was a gallant idiot, as usual. Always a gentleman, always a man of honour, out to protect others. He knew she only meant it in jest, though. Twenty Turns with her as weyrmate and over thirty as friends growing up together meant he knew her every nuance, knew when she was really angry and when she was bluffing, when she was snarking seriously or doing it to hide fear or grief.

So he knew that even as she teased him, she was always proud of him. Always, even as she snapped at him for getting himself in trouble again with threadscore or stubbing his toe, her hands would be gentle, and the look in her amber eyes sure and affectionate. He'd seen it even as she rolled her eyes; she'd been proud of the idea of him seeking out the Guardians, ever ready to help out where he could as more than just Flight Leader, and he knew, given a bit of time, he could probably convince her to join too, if non-riders were allowed.

For now though, it was just him waiting for K'ivan, and he leant back against a wall, black eyes gazing up at the roof with vague curiousity as they followed the sparkling green hide of Muse as she darted about the room, eagerly exploring this new place.

[K'ivan]

Young fire-lizards could often be more of a handful than young dragons. While both hatchlings were active and curious, exploring as much as possible, the larger cousins did not often get stuck in places they shouldn’t be exploring. In this case it was a jar. Yueron's (a Weyrfolk) young blue only a few sevendays old discovered he the joy of drinking water from a mug. Fortunately the water spilled out when the fire-lizard tipped the glass over. Unfortunately, the creature’s head and upper body wound up wedged into the mug.

Extracting the fire-lizard had been a matter of using lotion to grease up the area around the rim. Using one of his tools he slid the lotion between the jar and the fire-lizard. Fire-lizard patients and their care-takers knew this tool to be the one he used to help hold body parts that were too fragile or injured for his hands.

Gamath‘s waits for you in the Guardians’ weyr, K’iv-mine. K’ivan furrowed his brow as Baizynth relayed the message. Does he now… hmm… Though he did not assume it he hoped J’raya was there to offer his services to the Guardians. While their numbers were growing in slow increments most of the newer members were from the Holds and having a fresh pair of eyes around the Weyr would be prove invaluable, especially as several dragonriders moved to other Weyrs in recent times. However he kept his hope in reserve in case there was some graver reason for the requested audience.

Tell him I’m on my way. K’ivan replied as he set the jar of oil in its place on the shelf. He rinsed his hands in a water basin set up on the large table in the middle of the room. Then he headed toward the Guardians’ weyr. With his distance-eating strides it wouldn’t take long to arrive.

Dutifully relaying the reply, Baizynth took a moment to greet Gamath as well. How are you this day? The dragon made it his business to know the other dragons no matter what color or rank. He shared his rider’s viewpoint of the world and was the liaison between dragon patients who were not comfortable speaking directly to K’ivan.

K’ivan like many a dragonhealer discovered even the most stand-offish dragons often spoke directly to him when it concerned their ills or sought reassurance for injuries; sometimes merely to have a brief conversation or errant comment. For those who didn’t, there was Baizynth. Baizynth established close relations with them all going out of his way to encourage new friendships to form when dragons transferred to Great Cliffs.

Baizynth stretched his long body out, reaching his front legs toward the entrance of their weyr. He lay with his back to the Weyrbowl, head partially in the weyr and the rest of his body on the ledge outside. Do you want a ride? K’ivan chuckled as he continued to stride across the Weyrbowl, his boots sinking into the ground still wet with the first autumn’s rain. Mist clung to the edges of the Weyr’s walls, a testament to the colder months to come. It’s a short walk up the stairs. He replied.

Muse would find several fire-lizard perches attached to the wall at various heights, including a shelf skillfully wedged into the corner high and near the ceiling. For human comfort there were chairs and tables, a small shelf laden with various hides. The hides contained general information and records about the Guardians. The Guardians’ standard (the only one in existence) was hooked to the back wall near the alcove where a bed should be if this were a dragonrider’s weyr. The alcove had a stack of empty cups in it and an errant jar of numbweed.

The Guardians’ standard reflected the patch each Guardian wore. A dragon of multiple colors, a head of gold, bronze front legs, brown hind legs, one blue wing and one green wing. The tail was white for rare they were white dragons too defended Pern. The body contained all six of the colors a swirl of hues.

Half a dozen minutes or so after Baizynth relayed his response, K’ivan entered the weyr. “Hello J’raya, I trust you weren’t waiting long?” He reached out a hand as he approached J’raya, the slight red stain to his palm the telltale signs of his Craft even if his numerous knots had not been present. The Guardians’ patch he wore was trimmed with Great Cliff’s colors.

[J'raya]

Muse, being the delightful little creature she was, immediately set upon entertaining herself when she found the firelizard perches. Trilling with mischief, she began to amusing process of hopping up and down the perches, attempting to only use her wings to get to them when she teetered, or needed that extra push that her little green legs could not apply.

When K'ivan arrived in the weyr, though, she paused where she hung off the highest perch, blinking owlishly at the sight of a somewhat stranger approaching hers. Squeaking, she dropped off her perch to land upon J'raya's massively broad shoulders, where she set about curling herself tightly about his neck. Her green hide seemed to make J'raya's prematurely white hair more noticeable than ever, and her eyes whirled with the rapidness that gave away caution and slight anxiety, fixated on K'ivan even as she shifted so she planted her front paws possessively on J'raya's chest...as if a little green such as herself would make him that much scarier.

"Oh stop it, you silly creature," J'raya scolded, though there was a distinct lack of real annoyance in his voice, one thick finger prodding under Muse's chin and against her little chest gently to push her back up onto his shoulder. Ignoring her indignant squeak, he looked up (or rather down, somewhat) at the Masterdragonhealer, chuckling with that deep, merry tone and taking K'ivan's hand in a friendly hand shake.

"A healer never keeps anyone waiting. Everyone is simply impatient," he drawled, black eyes twinkling with good humour and what clearly the experience of Turns, with such a teasing comment. Well, he'd want to hope it was experience, or he'd be answering to the diminutive spitfire that was the Weyr's Healer as to where exactly his head had been for the past twenty one Turns, and while his survival instincts were a bit slipshod when it came to her, they still knew enough to know just that little bit better.

"Trust I didn't pull you away from anything too important," he commented, pulling absently at his rank knots even as he leant easily against the corner of a table. "Tsu...sorry, Tsunade told me it was about now that I could pull you away without too much trouble."

Even in casual conversation, his weyrmate's name was spoken with quiet affection permeating his tone, though little more was given away from the big man. Rather, his gaze found the patch of the Guardians on K'ivan's clothing, a similar ensignia on the wall at the back. His perusing eyes finally turned back to the other bronze rider then, his smile wry.

"Well, I trust I don't need to relay any of the unrest that's occurred around Pern to you of all people, K'ivan."

Thank you...I am well. Gamath's responses were exactly as one would expect from such a large, heavy-set bronze - slow and measured, though apparently a little taken aback, as if forever not expecting to be drawn into conversation.

The sun warms my hide...and takes the itch from my scars. They do grow tight sometimes...even though Mine oils them regularly. Or Tsu-not-Mine...I prefer her hands, though they are so much more diminutive in size than Mine's.

[K'ivan]

((Just can't believe how many boards have been waiting for more than six months for me. They all happen to coincide with Tsar moving in ... girlfriends will do that to you!))


The Dragonhealer took little notice of the green's antics. He understood her caution; however fire-lizards had a way of warming up to him, usually. Perhaps it was because they recognized he took care of them when they were injured and sick. The word was passed around from one to the other. For now he smiled at Muse and ensured his emotional state was reassuring, and calm, hoping to ease her tension. Seeing and sensing her bonded interact with him would probably help too.

K'ivan took J'raya's hand and chuckled at the statement. "Some healers would agree with you, our new one especially I believe." The remark said with another chuckle and a warm smile as K'ivan was aware of J'raya and Tsunade's relationship, if from no other source than the ever-noisy and curious Gavanath and his need for knowledge. Leave it to the Weyr-snoop and gossip extraordinaire to get the dirt on the new-ish duo. Of course, eventually most relationships were revealed in a Weyr setting, especially when one of the people involved was a dragonrider.

Absently wiping his hands on his trousers, K'ivan replied, "No not at all. Just finished up as Bai told me you were waiting. It's been a slow morning all things considered." His smile faded somewhat at J'raya's odd comment about unrest. Then, as the troubles that plagued the Weyr and the continent echoed in his mind, he nodded in agreement. "Aye, that's true enough ..." Inhaling through his nose, K'ivan gestured toward one of the chairs. "So, what can I help you with? Interested in something to drink? I can send a message to the kitchens ... "


Scars always itch, but yes... the sun eases them. It is a good day today for sunning. Baizynth agreed. He did not have many notable scars as some veteran Thread-fighters did, his main one being the foot and a half missing from the end of his tail. The rounded end itched when not oiled thoroughly so he well understood Gamath's comment. Tsu-not-yours is the rider-Healer...? The lanky bronze projected an image of Tsunade as he queried about her. Her hands are better because she is like K'iv-mine. Baizynth concurred, referring to the fact they were both healers and their profession necessitated a gentler touch.


Aridron appeared in the room with a soft 'pop' as he materialized from between. He circled the room once and then landed on one of the fire-lizard perches. He stretched out his yellowish wing and began to preen the sails, either unaware or uninterested that there was currently another fire-lizard in the room.

[J'raya]

Inquisity always won over wariness in the end, no matter who or what you were. Thus, though she kept to J'raya's large, soothing presence, Muse allowed herself to slide a little down the broad expanse of his chest, her little nostrils working in a way similar to a runner's as she studied the other bronze rider with *all* of her senses.

Used to her machinations and knowing that soon enough, she'd be bothering K'ivan whenever appropriate (and probably savaging anything else not Aridron that had the hide to annoy him too), J'raya simply soothed her with a finger down her back where she stretched down him, once the hand-clasp with K'ivan was done. When the other bronze rider offered the prospect of a drink, the Flight Leader hesitated, before nodding his head and letting his frank smile find it's place back on his features. It couldn't hurt, after all; he didn't have anything else to rush off too, surprisingly, and if K'ivan did, he'd let him know soon enough. They could perhaps stretch it out, for a while.

"Just klah, thanks...though I'd like sweetner with it. I'm not into the business of crazed caffeine kicks."

That was said with a comical crinkling of the nose, and there was little doubt as to what J'raya was referring to, considering K'ivan's own subtle tease regarding the new Weyr Healer and 'Rai's' own association with her. He'd been a Wingleader for fifteen Turns, and a rider longer, and then weyrbred again (as far as he knew); he was darn well aware of the fact that if the entire Weyr didn't know the nature of the relationship, duration of it *and* put up a rumour or three to make it interesting yet, then it would do so quickly enough. His playfully distasteful expression was both for that and for the fact that even if no other Healers did it (which he doubted), Tsunade at least was notorious for having her klah straight out and strong enough to knock a man *between* without the dragon. He'd been prey to accidently grabbing her mug more than once while half asleep in the morning, or readying himself for Fall in the predawn hours.

"As for what I'm here for...well, my Tsunade just happened to mention to me that you had quite a...significant hand in this syndicate...the Guardians, I believe?" Trust J'raya to make a droll understatement; he knew already that K'ivan had enough of a 'hand' in it to be a "Lead".

"I'm not the only one who's interested...but I'm sure you're learning that our 'dear, sweet' Weyr Healer isn't one particularly inclined to allying herself too quickly to anything. You know...neutral ground and all. But in the least, it'd be appreciated if you could tell us...me...a little more regarding what's been occurring and what it'll mean if someone became part of the...Guardians...K'ivan."

Gamath seemed to pause consideringly for a moment, before nodding his large head, allowing a surprisingly deep affection drawn as much from his own mind as the depths of love found in his 'riders to seep through in his acknowledgement of Baizynth's image of Tsunade.

Yes. She is Mine's mate, too...I can barely count the Turns she has been there, with him. Perhaps it is easier to think of the Turns she was not...I think there are very few of them. But...yes. She has 'healer touch' too, I think Mine calls it.

[K'ivan]

K’ivan took care not to make any sudden movements so as not to startle Muse away from her investigation. He always appreciated knowing his patients prior to meeting them in a direr situation than a general chat with their bonded humans. Upon hearing J’raya’s reply to his inquiry, K’ivan nodded. “Klah it is then, I could use a bit myself. I’ll be sure to request sweetener too, sometimes they forget.”

He scrawled a brief message on a scrap of hide and curled it into a tight roll. With a thought, he summoned Aridron and lifted his arm for his fire-lizard to land upon. “Here Ari, take this to the kitchen.” K’ivan emphasized his command with imagery of the kitchen and the staff there.

The fire-lizard paused in his preening and looked up, giving a soft chirp. He winged his way to K’ivan’s out-stretched arm. There he waited. When K’ivan handed him the message, Aridron bobbed his head. He released his perch and fell into the air between the floor and K’ivan’s arm. Then, he was gone – on his way to the kitchens.

Once he’s finished, he turned his attention to J’raya’s again. “Go ahead,” And gestured for the other bronzer to reveal the nature of his visit to the healers’ ward. Though K’ivan considered it might be simply to get to know each other better, he had a suspicion there was more to it than that. After all, J’raya’s was no stranger to Weyr life and no young-bronze rider attempting to impress his elders with his “I’m the best” antics. He lifted an eyebrow as he listened to J’raya’s.
After a moment’s pause, he nodded. “Yes, I did… am. One of the founding members,” He confirmed softly as J’raya’s continued. Though he did not speak while J’raya’s relayed the entire meaning of his visit, K’ivan’s expression became solemn and grave. He pressed his lips into a thin line and gave a nod.

“That’s quite a question and request. Understandable too… to know the gravity of the group you seek to know more about, you should be aware of our history first and the reason for the Guardians’ foundation. The Guardians were created to flush out the members of the Shadow Syndicate who caused trouble for Great Cliffs a few Turns ago. Our group was created in response to the fact the Syndicate managed to steal some dragon eggs.” K’ivan paused a moment to allow the gravity of that statement to settle on J’raya’s. This was not a well known fact as the troubles of the Western Continent did not necessarily reach the ears or attention of the more populated Weyrs on the Northern Continent, or as far south as Southern or Monaco Bay Weyrs.

K’ivan licked his lips. “Through various means the Syndicate members were hunted down, their methods discovered and finally their hideout revealed. There were people within the walls of our Weyr that were giving information to the Syndicate.” The word ‘spies’ was not a familiar one to any Pernese, or at least not a commonly used one so it did not come to K’ivan’s mind readily. “The Guardians ensured Great Cliffs was safe from the Syndicate and we hunted them until they were scattered as wherries before a dragon. Now – as far as we know – their power is broken.”

He paused. Aridron appeared again and circled back to his perch. K’ivan watched the fire-lizard settle, and begin to preen before he continued. “However, there are other things… shadows and darkness that hangs over the Weyr and this Continent the likes that may have trouble other Weyrs in the past but do not in the present. Feytolian – the Lord Holder – has never hidden his malice and distain for dragonriders. Recently this malcontent has come to a bitter head. He has – as you might be aware – refused to give us tithes. Despite Thread falling, and despite needing our protection from it, the Lord Holder is resolute.”

Idly wiping his hands again, K’ivan paused to consider them, staring for a moment at the ever-stained faint redness upon their palms and digits. He looked up at J’raya’s again and after the pause, continued: “What a Guardian does depends on his or her area of expertise, home and ties within various communities. Dragonriders are set as guards to protect the Weyr and the Hold from Syndicate members; however this guard position also includes … more recently… those who would do tithe trains or simple passengers harm. While Kajano Hold refuses to tithe, Lady Niceta at Rivers Crossing sends her wagons as always. They were attacked recently, an act that was lessened by the Guardians who went with the train. If Tsunade…” A query came into his tone and he waited confirmation before he continued,

“If Tsunade or you decide to join the Guardians the main thing that would be asked of you is something you both – you especially – do already. Guard the Weyr, and the Holds with your life. This could include having guard duty at the Weyr, at the Hold ... yes even bronze riders do that... following a tithe train, seeking out known Syndicate members still out there, or simply being ready to do any of these things if called upon to do so. The difference being you would guard it from humans instead of Thread. We have discovered they are far more wily and dangerous than wind-driven Thread.” He frowned. "All the Guardians are trained to know how to fight, to ensure they can ... and recently we have created some ways to do this from dragonback."

K'ivan hesitated, thought about it and then added: "I'm not sure how much of your question I answered; however I hope I gave you a better idea what to expect and who we are? Of course I'm sure you have questions..." He gestured with a brief curl of his wrist for J'raya's to bring forth whatever queries he had on this subject.

Yes, the Healers’ touch. Baizynth confirmed. He listened to Gamath with as much interest and intensity as his rider. It is good she is here. Those who are not dragons will not go to K’iv-mine for their injuries and illnesses now. He found a great deal of humor in the fact some of the humans attempted to go to K’ivan for healing. While all ‘riders had a basic understanding of first-aid and the path of Dragonhealer and Healer were not so different in the beginning, going to a Dragonhealer for more serious or complicated problems was the equivalent of going to a Beastcrafter to learn about the Stars.