[PRP] Fire and Ice (Ameliah, Zheria, and dragons at Feast)

[Waiver]

Ameliah had been in disbelief when Sharath recounted her intense debate with Fianth upon the spires of High Reaches' Weyrbowl. The gold did not often engage in such civilized, philosophical debates even though demanding they follow up on her ambitious words was not exactly uncommon. The goldrider had had her fair share of scheming, planning, and vociferously spoken opinions from Sharath... but this... this was something new.

She would have to make a mental note to approach Olliah regarding the conversation to make sure Sharath hadn't ruffled too many feathers – she wanted the world for her Weyr but she wasn't the most diplomatic about it. They hadn't been run out, thankfully, so it couldn't have been that bad but it still left Ameliah in that awkward situation of either walking the walk or looking like a complete hypocrit.

It was situation she'd found herself in many a time since Impressing Sharath. Ambition ruled the gold and she often dragged Ameliah along for the ride. This time, at least, their interests were completely aligned. The miner witnessed the cruelty of Nabol on a regular basis and if it was true Zheria was doing something... then, well, that meant to save face – or improve their creditibility, depending on the perspective – that she should probably approach High Reaches' Weyrwoman.

She was not dressed for such a thing, she was not prepared for such a thing but here she was at Western's Heatching Feast and there Zheria was holding court. The woman walked with power and grace Ameliah had to admit she envied – the Weyrwoman commanded the respect and attention of a room simply by entering it, her gaze sharp, cutting through the nonsense of weyr gossip and drama. She'd been on the receiving end of that gaze a few times, actually, and it had never been comfortable.

And here she was, looking in on the group, gathering her courage to go speak to a comrade. They'd worked together when she'd first Impressed, it shouldn't be that intimidating! And yet she found her pride difficult to swallow – there was a lot of history with High Reaches and something in her chaffed at approaching Zheria with and offer of cooperation.

Ameliah forced that feeling down, fussed with her not-very-formal outfit and squared her shoulders, head high, and donned her 'goldrider hat' as she called it. She stepped into the light and caught Zheria's gaze as Sharath bespoke Eveleth, Eveleth, Mine wishes to speak to Yours. We have common goals, it seems, and Mine would take a moment to see what we might offer in achieving those goals. It was short, blunt, and carefully neutral, as instructed, before Sharath's mental attention shifted away. She was trying, approaching the entire thing as neutrally as she was spoke volumes to her investment in their interests.

”Masterharper”

 

[Masterharper]

SkieBorne

The dark haired goldrider walked among the people of Western like she owned the place. It wasn't that she meant any disrespect for Hestina and her green, but it was how the gold rider had been trained to act. If she wanted to command a room, than she had to look and act like she was the top canine in the room; she had to look like she had it under control, and that she had all the answers. If she didn't want to be picked on, be controlled, or be abused, than she had to be tough, cold, and heartless. As a child she had to fake it, but at this age of her life, and with Eveleth supporting her every move, it was natural for her to act like the one in power. Besides, the woman knew she had enemies everywhere, just waiting for a moments weakness. Call her paranoid, but she wasn't going to look vulnerable for anyone.

This might be Hestina and Treth's Weyr, but there were many there who were also Zheria's people. Besides, there was no shame in being a confident woman, and that was something she had in droves.

So it was, the woman made her rounds -- she visited with those who needed visiting, kept her eyes out on individuals who were of interest to her, and gathered information through Eveleth. There were some within this crowd that Zheria knew well, and others whom she wanted better to get to know. All in due time, of course, all in due time.

Ameliah was not on her list of individuals to seek out, so it was with some surprise when the younger gold rider caught her eye and approached. Sure enough, one of her brows arched as Ameliah bridged the distance between them, and she felt Eveleth own curious amusement.

The queen rider's knew the young girl. She had Impressed at High Reaches, and Sharath was technically Eveleth's grand-daughter, and Fianth's first daughter. While Zheria had not yet been Weyrwoman, Ameliah had strong views, and had made her discontent in the mountainous Weyr well known. It was no surprise then that the two did not last and took their leave. She was a miner now, doing what she loved, and it was true that High Reaches had trade with Nabol. Aishe and Rhianth were also traders of Nabol and other areas of Pern, and had made quite a name for themselves as well; but her relationship with Aishe was far warmer and much closer than that of Ameliah, but that might have something to do with the very queen Ameliah had Impressed.

Eveleth, for her part, relayed the message to her rider. She stayed, lounging happily with Thistreth and Rhianth snuggled close, but was more than alert. Sharath had a reputation, and Eveleth wasn't one to stand for anything less than respect. Yours may speak freely with Mine. She is welcome.

"Ameliah," Zheria greeted, offering the fellow gold-rider a small dip of her head. "What might I do for you?" The slightest shift of her hand, and her entourage gave the two women a bit of room -- moving just far enough away she could speak freely, and conveniently enough, mean no guests or strangers needed to crowd them.