A keen eye and a sound mind (Shoki)

[Cait]

3074.07.12 | Weyrbowl | Late Morning

Rekkora had been at the Weyr for an entire month now and was gradually becoming familiar with the social climate. She'd made a few friends already amongst the older Weyrlings; all of them boys of course, and while neither was the weyrmate of a king, they still might be useful in the future. It was far better to make friends with the riders she might one day outrank. Yes, she was still operating under the unshakeable belief that she was destined for some great weyrmate. Hubris was a great and wonderful beast and was almost always the downfall of people such as Rekkora.

Currently she sat on a bench in the shade, watching the activity in the Weyr with a keen eye. So far she'd already begun to tally the Kingriders and had so far spotted two Tigers, two Bronzes, a Crimson and a rather handsome king-sized Flame. She had yet to meet any of their riders but she imagined that endearing herself to them; especially the younger ones, wouldn't be such a bad idea. Having champions amongst the flying ranks, even before she'd Impressed might help her chances.

Pulling out a rather delicate looking knife that would probably break if put to the test, Rekkora began to carefully trim her well groomed nails, surreptitiously watching the activity around her and keeping a keen eye open for an opportunity to make more beneficial friendships with some of the dragonriders and weyrfolk. Idly she wondered when the clutch would be lain so that she might request the chance to view it and scope out her prospects. At the very least she wanted to--when the clutch was laid--how many eggs had been set aside as "special" by Archith. But that would have to wait for now.

[Shoki]

Irai was returning from her errand at Rainbow Mists Weyr. Just a parcel to deliver to one of her son's friends, nothing to big. She had of course volunteered since a lovely walk would do her old bones good. Not because she was hoping to catch a glimpse of the Copper dragoness she knew lived here. Not at all. Irai was frightened of any DMW born color. Even Darkblues gave her the shivers. That was Irai though.

The elderly woman continued on, until a flash of metal caught her eye. Irai looked startled, a touch fearful, but her eyes were searching. Her dark brown eyes caught the shape of a knife, something that caught Kumori's attention easily. Her face went a little blank as she sized up the girl. Maybe there was something. Maybe a spark that she longed to coax out. However, hope was not a luxury she could take, and her walls went back up, to a relieved face. She looked like merely an elderly woman pleased to at last have found a bench. She walked forward, something she had endlessly practiced, looking tired and frail. It helped (as it had when she was young) that she was a petite person. It made it all the more surprising when the knife hit their back.

"Excuse me young lady, is someone sitting here?" She motioned to the bench space next to her, looking every inch a grandmother looking for a place to rest. Well, technically the first was true, and the latter was merely a way into conversation. "Perhaps I could take a seat?" Kumori sometimes wished Irai was a real person so she could strangle her for being so sickeningly sweet.

[Cait]

Rekkora spotted the old woman approaching and carefully looked around to see if there might be another destination. Knowing very few people around the Weyr aside from the handful of Weyrlings that K’tar and K’rill had introduced her to, she highly doubted that the woman would have any reason to approach her, though as she came closer, Rekki noticed her age and figured that perhaps she simply needed to rest. She might not have the “healer’s eye” like her father—at least in regards to humans—but she had enough gray matter between her ears to surmise that an old woman might need to take a break after walking across the Weyrbowl.

When the woman finally stopped in front of the bench, Rekkora looked up with a pleasant smile, eyes slightly squinted against the sun. Without a word, Rekkora stood and slipped her knife away, gesturing to the bench. “Please, have a seat.” Her father had taught her well enough that she knew to respect her elders but as she stood she also took a moment to look the woman over. Good muscle tone, hands not too ravaged by stiffened joints and clear eyes. Standing to the side she waited for the woman to settle herself before returning to the bench. “What brings you out to the Weyr on such a lovely, clear day, Ma'am?”

[Shoki]

"Ah, thank you." Irai moved to take a seat, relaxing onto the bench. She turned to get a better look at the girl who had so politely stood up and let her have a seat. Irai was being examined as well. Kumori liked that. Still, it meant she couldn't afford to slip up. As the girl spoke, she was pleased that she didn't have to weasel conversation out of her. She seemed to sociable time. Well, that could be a good thing. Kumori was still sizing up this girl.

"Ah, I came to get something to my son's friend. My daughter-in-law is so busy with my grandsons, I said I would get the parcel to him as long as he didn't mind it taking a bit." Irai smiled a bit, interested in keeping a conversation with such a delightful young lady. "And you young lady, are you a candidate here?" From context, it looked like the girl was currently residing here. For now the only other thing she was supposing was that the girl was polite to the elderly. That particular was neither here nor there for Kumori. Yeah, it was being respectful to people but it meant respect for her specifically so it all balanced out. She knew that the longer a conversation went on, the more easily it was to determine someone's true personality. Even if someone was hiding something it meant more time to slip up or leave clues. This was a double edged sword, since she herself had an entire personality she was hiding behind a mask. Of course, she had turns upon turns to practice, and she was in a good mood today so it wouldn't be a problem at all. On another day it might be dangerous to hold a long conversation with someone new.

[Cait]

It had been a polite question; Rekkora hadn’t really cared much why the old woman was out and about and while she did care that the woman not over-exert herself it was a fine line between caring and disinterest that Rekkora walked almost daily. Still, she feigned interest in the woman’s story of her son and grandsons, a pleasant smile curling her lips as she picked at imaginary lint on her gown. When finally the woman turned a question to Rekkora, the young woman’s smile became slightly more genuine and she shifted, straightening her back slightly.

“I am a Candidate; I transferred from Ice Stone Weyr for the upcoming clutch. I intend to Impress well.” The confidence in her voice bordered on arrogance but the conviction seemed to temper it somewhat. It was clear to see that the girl clearly thought she would Impress quite well or not at all, though the later was no hindrance. She was only seventeen after all, and could stand for several years to come. When it came to getting something she wanted, Rekkora was infinitely patient and determined. “My name is Rekkora. So you live in Cliffside then? I have not yet been there. I imagine that it is lovely, being by the sea and all?”

[Shoki]

Even while she pretended to be someone she was not, Kumori was very, very good at reading people. Rekkora's smile became flat, indicating disinterest. It built up Kumori's view of the girl. She was self-centered, but maintained appearances. Yes, this was promising. Again, care must be taken, but Kumori was a bit happier about it. Kumori hated talking about her grandchildren, but appearances were all for her. Her well trained eyes continued to pick up little things about the young woman, from her mannerisms to her voice. Arrogance, confidence and a desire. Yes, this was looking promising. As Irai she looked at the girl with interest as she explained how she was from the northern Weyr, not that it mattered over much to Kumori.

"It is very nice to meet you Rekkora. I'm Irai. It's very nice to meet such a lovely young lady from so far away, I don't often get the chance." Irai smiled a little before answering Rekkora's question. "Yes, I do. It is nice. If you would like to see it sometime, I would love to show you about and such. I do make a very good fish dish with the local catch, should you wish to come for dinner some time." Open invitation, good reason to meet again should Kumori feel the need. Yes, very much required. From there she could manipulate it to a conversation away from prying ears if required. These were careful plans for the future, but she was still not committed, though everything looked promising. Very, very promising.

[Cait]

An invitation for dinner and a tour of the Hold. Rekkora tilted her head slightly, blonde waves sliding over her shoulder as she contemplated the benefits of taking the woman up on her offer. While the woman had no ranking within the Weyr, her son’s friend must live here and if she managed to ferret him out and discover his rank and usefulness it might do well to endear herself to the old woman. Besides, it would give her an excuse to dress up and entice a few of the more stubborn young men she’d been working on.

“That sounds lovely, Irai. I would like very much to come see your Hold.” And who knew, perhaps she’d find a few young men to wrap around her finger from the Hold. It never hurt to have influence and support outside the Weyr as well. With a smile that was true enough she reached up to brush her hair back behind her shoulder once more. “I must confess, it would also be nice to enjoy a meal with a family as I left mine up North when I transferred.” It wasn’t exactly the truth but her smile was eager enough that her statement could be deemed truthful by a person who didn’t know to look for the calculating glint in the young woman’s eyes.

[Shoki]

Kumori detected a calculation on the part of Rekkora. Good. She wasn't looking for a puppet, her children did well enough a job for that. No, she had been looking for someone to learn from her, and it did no good if their wasn't a brain in her head. Vanity was there, of course, but even that wasn't a deal breaker. Kumori just had to keep it in mind, otherwise missteps would be made. When Rekkora responded, Kumori laughed inside of her head. Oh, wasn't she just the cutest thing? She thought she was manipulating Irai, but little did she know. Ah, she did remind her a bit of herself at that age. Wrapping people around her finger to get what she wanted, yes indeed she had high hopes for this one.

"Wonderful! You are welcome anytime you feel the need for a little homey company and some good food." Fat chance, Rekkora didn't care, and Kumori would chase her family away the moment she felt the need for it. At least she could manipulate them seamlessly. Cooking wasn't exactly a lie, since it was the closest she got to using knives in public, but it still wasn't the same. She preferred live victims. Irai continued to look content at the situation but rose slowly. She had rested here long enough to 'catch her breath'.

"I should get back. It was lovely to meet you, and I hope you do not make yourself a stranger." She started to walk before pausing and turning back around, giving a less sweet smile, but encouraging all the same. It was probably the only line close to Kumori's true feelings in tone and words. "I look forward to seeing you impress a dragon Rekkora." With that she walked back toward the Road, finally feeling she had done something worth doing today. Time would tell.