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Post by Pocket on Feb 15, 2013 0:32:53 GMT -5
With a nod, Haelyn scratched under Chevron’s chin and offered the angel a smile. “That’s perfectly fine.” She glanced around him towards the archway where Riklith’s area lay. “Go on.” She nudged Castiel by the shoulder, moving to sweep up the parchments neatly. Layering them together, with a few flicks of the wrist they were neatly rolled and bound by the leather thread.
Riklith stirred, picking her head up off the ground. Her eyes whirled brighter as she shuffled around, chirping at the man. Yes! It’s honestly a simple process, and it doesn’t take too long. More experienced searchdragons can do crowds of prospective candidates fairly quickly.[/I] She paused, lowering her head slightly. Admittingly, I have not searched many… Or at all. But I would be willing to try! I know you have good traits working in your favor already, just from speaking with you.[/color]
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Post by kthehuman on Feb 15, 2013 0:51:01 GMT -5
Castiel watched as Haelyn collected the papers into a scroll for him, leaving it on the desk for the moment. He turned to Riklith, gazing into her eyes as she spoke to him. He tilted his head, though, as she revealed her inexperience. "You have never searched a person before?" He thought about the possibilities for a moment. "Why not? Is there any chance for harm?" He glanced at Haelyn momentarily; finding his legs weary - again - he looked around to see if there was an appropriate place to sit. He shifted his legs uncomfortably.
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Post by Pocket on Feb 15, 2013 19:00:37 GMT -5
I felt it best to not try and seem more experienced than I was.[/color] She shifted momentarily, rusting the canvases of her wings as she sought a better position to look at the humans curiously. The dragon paused at the question, and seemed to be losing herself to her thoughts.
"No, to my knowledge, she hasn't Searched anyone before." Haelyn moved towards a nook to the side, dragging a pair of stools back to them. "Here, I'm sorry -- I make such a terrible host."
"Typically, it wasn't.. tradition, for a goldrider to Search." The thoughts back to Tradition, and the Old Ways was enough to make her stomach turn unpleasantly and she bit her lip before settling on her stool. It was an old, captured system she hated to even see on old records, let alone openly talking about it. Haelyn mentally shrugged off the feeling as Riklith crooned gently at her, the 'rider smiling and threw herself back into the conversation. "We never Searched simply because, well, the cards never fell that way for us. Between the clutches she had, Threadfall, and the accident -- there was never an opportunity." She reached up to stroke Chevron's long fur as a means to keep her fingers busy, smiling at the angel. "No chance of harm, really. We're just not built to be searchriders."
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Post by kthehuman on Feb 26, 2013 21:25:53 GMT -5
Castiel took the offered stool and sat with a nervous smile, "I rather enjoy your hospitality, Haelyn. I am sure my constant questioning is...taxing." He eyed Chevron curiously, wondering if fur felt differently for humans, before turning back to Riklith. "I do not mind your inexperience; I was merely curious. Just let me know when you are ready, to Search me."
Castiel took a moment to study Haelyn as she explained their lack of experience as searchriders. She seemed...dissatisfied with tradition - a sentiment that Castiel could relate to, if only just. "So you can perform tasks even if you are not suited to completing them efficiently," it was more of a statement than a question. "Interesting. And why do you harbor resentment towards tradition? It seems to align with your preference against Searching, and I do not understand why that would be a bad thing." In fact, that would be beneficial to them, allowing them extra time to do as they pleased. He gazed at Haelyn, intently awaiting her answer.
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Post by Pocket on Mar 1, 2013 11:38:06 GMT -5
The goldrider waved flippantly, offering him a smile. "Honestly, this has been rather refreshing. It's been a pleasure to see my world through a new perspective." She watched as Chevron jumped from his perch, moving to stand in front of the man, sniffing at his knee before looking up at him, imploringly.
A gentle rumble thrummed in the back of Riklith's throat, watching the pair before sending a wave of gentle affection towards them both. Haelyn utterly preened under the attention, though she tried not to show it. I can wait. There aren't any clutches to go anywhere. It was clear she had thought high of the Lost man, though it was hard for the golden dragon to not make friends with someone.
The woman started slightly at the blunt statement. "Yes.. Though I suppose my.. stubbornness to complete tasks not fulfilling my skill area have cost me dearly." Subconsciously, her hand drifted to her scarred knee, gaze flickering momentarily to her dragon. Haelyn swallowed thickly, before shaking her head. "It's not.. quite so simple."
"Tradition is more than just Searching... It's a caste system. It keeps goldriders sitting on top to, basically, just repopulate the Weyrs. Bronzeriders ruled the upper ranks, with browns keeping the mid-levels, and the blues and greens at the bottom. Tradition would not allow Nocta -- that is, my fellow Dragon Weyr Councilmember -- to stand beside me at a place of higher power, due to Ralelth being a blue. The council would not be in place, instead a monarchy of gold dragons and their riders." Haelyn took a breath, ripping her gaze away from the floor to spare a look at the angel, before her gaze flitted away. "I would be stuck in a position of power until the end of my days, or I stepped down. Although I love my position on the council, and am sad that the turns are flying by and soon I will lose that position -- I would not be happy, ruling until the end of my days. Nor would Riklith be happy, as she loves everyone equally, and they would place themselves beneath her in such tradition." With a physical shudder, the woman took a deep, calming breath, and was warmed by the affection of her dragon.
"We adapted from Tradition long ago, but we would unlikely willingly go back. With new structure, came new freedom for everyone."
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Post by kthehuman on Mar 2, 2013 12:01:57 GMT -5
"Well, feel free to question me about my world if you would like. I know just about everything there is to know about it. It was my job..." Castiel tapered off as he stared, eyes narrowed, at Chevron for a long moment before deciding to reach down and pet him. He found that, indeed, fur felt different as a human; it felt less like a cloud and more like a wheat field. Everything else felt different, so it made sense. As an angel, everything was crisp and clear; boundaries and edges were clearly defined, and nothing is new. As a human, everything was rough and gritty; but with that came...almost a refreshing quality. Even though everything seemed indistinct - as though his senses were flawed - he found that he was beginning to enjoy the difference.
The warm wave of emotion that seemed to be coming from Riklith brought him out of his reverie. He looked toward the dragon in surprise, then offered her a small smile. He hadn't intended to, but somehow Chevron had ended up in his lap. Castiel accepted this and continued petting him as he listened to Haelyn. He thought for a few moments before responding. "Humans have been using racial differences and physical prowess as grounds for a hierarchical system since the dawn of time. Allowing for someone that desires a position of power to prove themselves, however, is much more efficient for the community. I am glad that you have adapted as such." He thought for another moment before continuing. "If one us were to desire such a position, would one of the Lost be allowed in that position?"
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Post by Pocket on Mar 3, 2013 22:42:15 GMT -5
"Truthfully, I don't even know where to begin on the questions of your world." Haelyn's hands came up to adjust the thin shawl, if anything for something to keep her hands from idling. She paused as he trailed off, smiling as she watched the angel with her feline. "What was your job?"
Stretching, Haelyn unclasped the shawl, standing to go hang it off the corner of her wardrobe. She turned as he spoke, smiling at Chevron in his lap, purring in that deep, throaty bass of his and pawing occasionally at Castiel's hand. "It is, and keeps the majority of unfit or unqualified from attaining a position of power. My ability for problem solving adapted to a gain for the wing formations, as well as able to help out around the Weyr. I guess this gained me some module of popularity." She shrugged it off, returning to her stool. "But truth be told? I'm glad my ancestors adapted, as well."
The question took the rider off guard, but made a small smile appear on her face. "Truthfully? The people of the Weyr vote in the Council. There are two for each branch; dragonriders, wherhandlers, and weyrfolk. But as for if one of the Lost may run? I, myself, see no fault in it." In turn, she had placed a lot of her stake and trust in with these Lost people to Pern. "However, I do believe should one gain their trust, and learn the needs and wants of those they represent, it may very well be possible."
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Post by kthehuman on Mar 3, 2013 23:50:05 GMT -5
Castiel's eyebrows shot up at her question. After a split second, he found that he was laughing. It was a very, very odd thing, and something that he couldn't stop. It started in his chest, resonating through his throat and across the room. After a few moments, the warm, light feeling dissipated, and the laughter slowed. He cleared his throat, still smiling. "My apologies. It's just-" he smiled wide, laughter threatening to take over. "Laughter is an odd thing...as for my 'job,'" he used two fingers from each hand to make quotes in the air as other humans had, "I am an angel of the Lord. A servant and warrior of God, creator of all life." He stopped for a moment to consider an interesting thought, head tilted. "Do you have any religion here on Pern?"
He considered the Lost and Igen Weyr's Council for a time before voicing his thoughts. "Perhaps...if the Lost are to be a fairly permanent addition to Igen, they should be represented as well. They are, after all, an entirely different group than you had before. It is only an idea to consider for now, though. There is no need to discuss it at length now." He offered her a small smile.
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Post by Pocket on Mar 4, 2013 0:33:15 GMT -5
His laughter, sudden and rich and genuine, had the woman nearly preening with the rate she was utterly beaming. "You never have to apologize for laughing." Though she wasn't quite sure what she had asked to set him off like that, it warmed her none the less to see such a pure reaction. His talk of God, angels, and 'religion' had blown her away, eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "I would ask you to elaborate on just who they are, but I feel that may be a lengthy discussion for another time." "Religion... No, I cannot say that we do." The goldrider paused, considering something he mentioned. "Though, if you want to talk about Creators, we do swear oaths by Faranth, the first clutching gold dragon."
The suggestion took her by surprise, and by some small mark regret it had not occured to her before. "It.. would be a wise move, no doubt. One that needs taken into consideration." She smiled, nodding. "But you are right. Perhaps we ought to keep our conversation lighter."
In the corner, Riklith shifted and yawned softly, although she watched her rider and the angel-man converse happily.
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Post by kthehuman on Mar 4, 2013 3:29:22 GMT -5
Castiel eyed her with near-mischievous amusement. "Yes, perhaps that should be approached later. It is a discussion of a time before time, which can be confusing if you have no prior knowledge of the subject." He considered her talk of Faranth, the first clutching dragon. "If we are trying to keep the conversation...light," he wasn't sure exactly how a conversation could be illuminated, but he thought she had meant to keep it less serious in tone, "then we should avoid talking about my Father." Castiel followed suit with Riklith, letting out a long yawn. "I must admit, I am amazed at how easily most humans are able to find sleep. It has eluded me these past few nights." Indeed, he had been restless when he had tried to sleep. The first night, it was as though he had too much pent-up energy, and needed to do some activity to expend it. After that, however, it was as if he was so tired that he lacked the energy to fall asleep; which, in and of itself, seemed completely counter-intuitive. Falling asleep never seemed to take any time at all when he watched Sam and Dean do it. He grumped silently to himself. Perhaps he was being envious, but he didn't care - he just wanted to sleep well.
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Post by Pocket on Mar 25, 2013 22:15:43 GMT -5
Haelyn grinned in return. "I look forward to it, as much as I look forward to hearing more of your world overall. But, it seems, we'll leave these conversations for another day." Though, what God and Castiel's father had any sort of commonality was beyond her. For another day, it seems. She raised an eyebrow, but fought to stifle her own yawn. Sleepless, huh? "You could always go down to the infirmary. They'll give you a diluted fellis juice mix; it's overly potent on it's own, but only a tiny bit will help to aid you to a heavy sleep."
She paused, eyeing both her tired dragon and friend (she suspected Chevron had fallen asleep on Castiel's lap) before nodding to herself. "I think we may have to skip over any Searching today. As much as Riklith may want to, I believe it would be best if I introduced you to an actual searchrider." Haelyn took a moment, considering her next words carefully. "He's an.. eccentric man, very affectionate and sweet, but is very serious about his work." She idly shrugged. "And, perhaps you'll gain some new clothes in the process."
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Post by kthehuman on Apr 14, 2013 1:37:12 GMT -5
Castiel shot her a questioning gaze. “Diluted fellis juice?" he repeated skeptically. "Is that some form of drug?” He was not interested in anything that may have addictive qualities; he had begun to experience such things the last time he Fell. Although it was easier this time without constant threat of death, there was still a heavy ache left by his grace’s absence. He would be more wary with how he used his vessel this time around.
Chevron stirred, apparently irritated by Castiel’s lack of attention. Castiel did not stop him as he leapt off his lap. An actual searchrider? New clothes? "I would not be opposed to meeting another rider...is there something wrong with my attire?" He looked down, wondering how they could be offensive to the culture, since they were given to him from a generous weyrperson.
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