Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained [open]

[Nihla]

It would be incorrect to say that Nihla was fearless. All people had their fears, but hers did not include a fear for her life at the hands of random, murderous strangers in the jungles surrounding Rainbow Mists Weyr. She had heard the rumors, and even received a direct warning about the events that had transpired, but the kitchen still needed fruit, and the Weyr’s orchards would not suffice. Many of the Weyrfolk were afraid to go outside the bounds of the Weyr, to collect fruit or otherwise. Murder was not commonplace around here, and it had them shaken up. Nihla, though, saw all of this as an opportunity. The brave, if perhaps a bit misinformed, new arrival sets out on a journey to collect the fruit no one else dares to. It would definitely grab some positive attention when she came back with her baskets all full. Despite the fact that sometimes the other Weyrfolk would go out to collect in larger groups, no one offered to go with her, just warn her that it wasn’t safe. She could get killed. There were more dangers than just murderers out there, you know. This is the southern continent! Felines might be out there, ready to pounce. There were plenty of poisonous plants. Nihla assured them that she had grown up not too far from here. She knew the dangers and the risks, and she knew how to avoid them. And if she saw murderous strangers, well… she would think of something if that happened. A few of the kitchen staff that felt that they had grown “close” to her muttered worriedly, but Nihla soothed their concerns. If anything even smelled faintly of danger, she would come running straight back to the Weyr, even if that meant she came home empty-handed. For some reason, they seemed to trust her (good), and so Nihla strapped a large basket to her back, put two on her arms, and grabbed a machete, headed out across the Weyrbowl into the jungle beyond. There were many paths headed into the jungle, but there would not be any fruit on them. Instead, Nihla just faded into the undergrowth, far away from any of the numerous paths.

Nihla was never particularly fond of the outdoors. There were biting insects and itchy plants, and it was almost always hot. However, she would do almost anything to gain just a little more respect and perhaps notoriety. It was often uncomfortable, almost always annoying, and she could let no one know that she felt either of those things. A leader made sacrifices, after all, and did not complain. It would probably take a Turn or so before people started really recognizing all of her amazing if perhaps a bit insincere qualities. She had to build herself up naturally. She could not just swoop in and solve all of the Weyr’s problems. That would step on too many toes, and stepping on toes led to unnecessary and unwanted bruised feelings and conflict. She may have wanted a name for herself, but being infamous only got her part of the way. If she made enemies, her life would be much, much harder, and it would take longer for her to achieve her ends. Perhaps becoming head of the kitchen staff should be her modest goal for now. Being made Headwoman would be much harder, and was probably well off into the future, unless something happened to dear Lindaylin. Before anything happened to her, Nihla really had to set herself up as an example of perfect leadership, and people definitely needed to know who she was first. No one would elect her Headwoman if they did not know who she was. She hiked up her skirts and stepped over a fallen log, then slashed at a particularly annoying vine in her path. She probably still had a ways to tromp before she found the virgin fruits of the forest. At least the alone time gave her room to think. She did not attempt to be quiet at all. Making a lot of noise probably scared everything off, and gave her less to worry about.

Out of the corner of her eye, Nihla saw a break in the trees. She got a little closer, just to see that it was one of the many paths that wound without reason through the jungle watched over by Rainbow Mists. She glared at that path, before taking a sharp 90 degree turn and heading deeper into the jungle.

[Shoki]

It was break time so R'le was looking for a nice place to set up. He was closer to the Weyr then usual, but still in the jungle proper. Quiorith was back at the small clearing near where he was walking, taking a break as well. R'le was looking for a nice tree to climb today, and there weren't any good ones so far. It was vexing. So he kept walking. Eventually he found what he was looking for, a good climbing tree with a nice branch near the top for sitting on. With a little bit of climbing he had himself a very nice perch, where he could have a snack. He got out some of the dried meat he had on him for just the occasion and started chewing on it while leaning against the trunk of the tree. It was nice in the jungle today.

It was a leisurely break, since he could feel that Quiorith wasn't in too much of a hurry either. It meant that R'le took his sweet time eating his meat. However, while he was still working on it he heard footsteps. The rider poked his head out, trying to get a better listen. Sounded like someone was coming. At least he thought it was one person. There could be more then one, but he just couldn't hear the others. He rather doubted it though. He listened for a moment longer then called out to whoever it was walking about the jungle.

"Hello out there! How ya doing?" He listened close, just in case he heard them run away. He doubted it was anyone who wasn't supposed to be here though.

[Nihla]

Nihla was quite sure that she was out here alone in the jungle. Aside from the odd Pernese insect life, she had not seen another living being. Plants, obviously, did not count, though she had seen some useful plants that she might consider collecting later, to be an overachiever. She did not believe anyone else was around. So, to be entirely honest, Nihla was startled by the sudden shout. She gave a jump, and almost tripped backwards over a branch. She dug the machete into a tree next to her, and used it to regain her balance. She glanced upwards, eyes wide, trying to find the source of the voice. She took a few deep breaths before actually spotting the person who had called out to her. It was a young man, his head poking out between branches of dense foliage. There was definitely no way she could have spotted him without his calling out to her, so she did not waste the energy being mad at herself. She shot the young man a glare, her right cheek twitching just a hair, before softening her gaze into one more appropriate to the situation. She took another deep breath and smoothed her skirts, almost nervously. “You gave me quite the fright, you know,” she called up to him. “So, at the moment, I would have to say that I’m a bit shaken. Are you also out collecting fruit?” That might explain why he was so high up in the trees because, quite frankly, she did not know why anyone would be out in this awful place willingly.

[Shoki]

R'le winced as the girl tripped over a root and almost fell, catching herself before she got hurt. She gave him a glare before speaking, so the rider figured he was going to get it. However her words weren't that angry so he perked up a little, giving a smile. He decided to stay up in the tree for now.

"Sorry about that. Just thought I would see who was walking in the jungle. After all, you never know who is around." R'le figured he knew that more then most. After all, he seemed to meet the most unusual people in the jungle. Sometimes it was a good thing though. "No, I'm here for a break. Just stretching my legs and having a snack." He waved the still half eaten bit of dried meat. He'd finish it rather soon though. "But you're out gathering fruit, do you usually come out this far?" He looked down at her with curiosity, mostly because he heard that a lot of people sent out to collect fruit had been less willing to do so of late. He could understand the sentiment.

[Nihla]

“A break? How nice.” Most of the Weyrfolk definitely were quite wary of coming out into the jungle, and he did not seem to know much about the picking of fruit. Not just regular Weyrfolk, then. Probably part of the guard- they were the fearless sort. “Most of the fruit nearer the Weyr has been picked already. All of the good stuff, anyway. Most people weren’t willing to go out this far, so I’m assuming all of the fruit’s still good out here. However, to be fair, I would not really know, as this is my first time. Being new to the Weyr probably gives me a leg up on the bravery front,” she said with a bark of laughter. It was a bit hollow, though. Nihla rarely genuinely laughed. Not much point to. Taking a break to be alone in the woods, though, that had to be nice. It must be very nice indeed to not always be aware of how others perceived you. She pried the machete from the bark of the tree, and looked around a bit. There was a tree within talking distance that had a few pieces of fruit dangling temptingly from it. Well, it was a good idea to make a lot of noise. She strode purposefully over to it, and started to pick its fruit, carefully inspecting each piece for bruising or rot before placing it in the basket on her back. “A lot of the people around here are scared witless of the jungle. I’ve heard some rumors, but I’m not sure how well-founded they are. Even so, you must be a pretty brave one yourself to come out here just for a break,” she called over her shoulder.

[Shoki]

R'le got the feeling that this stern sounding lady wasn't very fond of him. He wasn't that surprised, especially since it was pretty easy to see he was slacking off. Still, she was willing enough to talk and he certainly didn't mind meeting new people.

"Well, its brave all the same. Obviously you've heard about it all, so it's still shows you've got guts." He grinned a little, watching as she went to pick fruit. He wondered a little bit about how safe it was in the jungle sometimes. He'd actually stopped worrying much about the people since after actively looking for them he couldn't find a thing. It was vexing.

When she spoke again R'le gave a low chuckle, though it didn't sound very amused. "I can personally assure you that they are true. Well, unless someone has been adding to them while I wasn't looking. I'd really rather not have my words twisted, but you know how rumors are." He didn't comment on how brave he was or wasn't. After all, he was the strangest sort of person when it came to that kind of thing. Give him a pretty jungle girl and he talked it off like it danger didn't exist, but give him a group of potential threats and he acted jumpy. He wondered about that sometimes. Still, among his thoughts he noticed that the woman collecting fruit was a bit out of sight. He climbed down to a lower branch to properly talk, and it meant he could see about better. Just in case.

[Nihla]

Nihla peered back over her shoulder at the man as he climbed down the tree, she supposed to be a tad closer. It would make sense. Having a conversation at great distance was an annoyance. After choosing and inspecting another fruit (and finding it lacking and so discarded it), she turned to face him, rolling up a sleeve with the great care she gave to all her motions. Everything measured. It was exhausting. "So they really found two dead? Murdered? How... sad. It is always a great loss to Hold or Weyr when anyone dies, let alone in such awful circumstances. I suppose I can understand how people would be scared." She rolled up her other sleeve thoughtfully. "It is unlikely, however, that the murderers remained. It would be suicide to. I don't think there's much more to fear from these jungles than usual. Most likely an isolated incident." At least, she would keep telling herself that. There was no reason to panic oneself with idle speculation.

She picked another fruit and gave it a thorough inspection. "Would you like one?" she asked. Being generous was another quality of leaders, after all. It would do her well to ingratiate herself even with the guard. The more that could speak for her, the better her chances at achieving her ends.

[Shoki]

"It certainly seemed like that's what they did. Honestly, trying to find anything about the circumstances has been a pain." R'le really didn't want to allude to his part in the whole thing that much, but he wasn't afraid to chat about the subject itself. Just his part. He'd mentioned it so many times one way or the other that it was kinda annoying. Still, it was interesting to talk to someone who seemed like they had just arrived. It gave a new perspective. "The whole thing is still quite peculiar. But yeah, I think its a bit safer then anyone else thinks. 'Course there are still the usual dangers, and the usual surprises." He shrugged noncommittally, still looking somewhat amused. His mood was still pretty good. It was a nice day an all.

"Ah, no thanks. Still got my snack and my back up. Thanks for the offer though." He put the remainder of the meat into his mouth and started to chew. He didn't eat that much for snack, after all, it was better when he was slacking off not to have too much in his stomach. Not that he easily got queasy but best be safe. After all, you never knew what a Cloud could pull at short notice. He swallowed his snack and jumped down, not to close to the woman so as not to startle her or anything. Didn't want a glare again. He needed to stretch his legs a little more. After all, he was going to have his fair share of sitting down after his break. He checked Quiorith's mood and it looked like he wouldn't be antsy for a while so he could take his time still.

"Do you want my spare meat? I don't think I'm running into anyone else to share it with today." He pulled out the remaining dried meat from his bag and offered it. He carried it around just in case. Kinda like the throwing knives. Just in case.

[Nihla]

When R'le refused, Nihla shrugged and carefully dropped it into the basket on her back. She watched as the man wriggled his way out of the tree with some interest. She never really tried climbing a tree. It likely would not be beyond her, but it would be very silly and undignified. Perhaps she would indulge her curiosity sometime when no one else was around. R'le waved some of his jerky at her. She straightened her skirt before responding. "That would be most lovely, thank you," she said. Graciousness was another quality possessed by the great, and it was one she had to work on. No time like the present. She strode forward and accepted the offered meat, taking a polite nibble of it. She had dried meat before, but rarely partook. A good travel snack, that was for certain. "So," she said after swallowing, "you've been on the case, so to speak? It must be a frustrating and uncomfortable job. I will not ask for any details, but you do have my sympathy. If it was murder, I do hope you find the culprits soon." Yes, this man was almost definitely of the guard. She could not imagine anyone else handling such a delicate operation.

She paused for a few moments, before gasping, putting a hand to her mouth. "My apologies. I never introduced myself. My name is Nihla, and as I'm sure you must have guessed by now, I am quite new to the Weyr. It is always nice to meet members of my new family." She offered a hand.

[Shoki]

"It's...something. Mostly the frustrating bit. After all, the jungle is a big place, and it rained rather promptly after they booked it. Means clues have been almost non existent. There are still people looking though." Well, people being him and Elraisha. After all, technically he hadn't told too many people he was looking into it. It didn't mean much out of the ordinary, after all, he and Quiorith were always over the jungle when they had time too. It meant that all he had to do was take his breaks in such a way that he could take a better look at the ground level.

R'le grinned and shook her hand before speaking. "Nice to meetcha Nihla. I'm R'le, I ride Cloud Quiorith. Always nice to meet a new member of the Weyr." He looked back at where he knew the Cloud would be waiting and turned back to Nihla. "If ya got time I can introduce ya to him."

[Nihla]

Nihla was legitimately taken aback. She knew that dragonriders lived in Weyrs, but she literally did not think that they came down to her level. Like, that they ever left the air except to go to Hatchings and Feasts. Well, she knew that it wasn't true, but when you lived in a Hold and only ever saw dragons from afar, you kind of got that feeling. "Oh, it's an absolute honor to meet you, Cloudrider R'le." Nihla went through her mental list of dragons. Clouds were... in the narrow margin between those enigmatic Blues and Greens. They were one of the mutant colors, fairly common, but capable of catching dragons in Flight high above their station. A dragon she could sympathize with, a real go-getter. Interesting. That probably meant that his rider was, too. An alliance was probably not necessary, though as she had earlier determined, all dragonriders have an effect on each other due to their close-knit society. Still, even Nihla could not contain her childlike delight at the prospect of meeting a dragon. They were the protectors of Pern, and purportedly highly intelligent, almost as much as humans. She would later reason with herself that she was just doing research about her new home and its esteemed inhabitants, but the real reason she said yes was because she was legitimately excited.

"I doubt the fruit will rot off the branch in the few minutes it would take. But yes, I would be delighted, if you're offering." Her smile was definitely more genuine than usual.

[Shoki]

"Cool. Follow me then." R'le had a pleased grin on his face, catching some enthusiasm from Nihla. It was always fun when the other person was excited too. He headed toward the clearing that they had landed in, and soon enough they reached the jungle clearing with Quiorith sitting in it. The Cloud looked up when the two humans entered and sat up. R'le went over to his dragon and watched as the Cloud stretched out his wings and loosened up. The rider waited until he had Quiorith's attention again before finally beginning introductions.

"Nihla, this is Quiorith. Quiorith, this is Nihla. We ran into each other while I was having a snack." R'le looked enthusiastic as Quiorith took a good look at the woman. She looked normal to him, which was encouraging for the Cloud. R'le met the strangest folks.

It is nice to meet you Nihla. The blue and gray dragon nodded simply to the woman, not particularly good at talking to other humans. He managed R'le just fine, after all they were so similar. He reserved most of his conversation for when he actually cared enough to comment, or more often, just let R'le talk. R'le just gave Quiorith a pat on his neck for some support. His cloudy-day friend was something to be proud of, and he was loads of fun besides. They made a good pair.

[Nihla]

Nihla placed her machete in one of the baskets on her arms before following R’le into the clearing. Thankfully, he had already gone this way, so most of the vegetation was trampled, and his going in front also made the trip easier. She did so hate cutting her way through the jungle. In the clearing, the Cloud lounged, but not for long. Nihla was legitimately impressed when the Cloud opened his wings. They really were much longer than other dragons’, proportionally. They really were dragons of the sky. But with his patches of grey and blue, he really blended right into the background. He was a sky dragon, but he looked just as at home in the vegetation as in the air, at least to Nihla. She curtsied to the dragon as he loosened up. But when he spoke to her, now that was a special moment. She always thought the tales had been exaggerating, that the dragons just really seemed like they could speak in your head, but they really could! No wonder dragons and riders were so good at fighting Thread together.

She curtsied once more. “It is a pleasure to formally meet you, Quiorith and rider R’le. I do hope that you are enjoying your break as much as your rider.” Well, the dragon certainly sounded like a human, even if he did not actually make a sound. This really changed Nihla’s ideas of Weyr power structure. Although she always thought that the humans were the main players, the dragons may factor in more than she gave them credit for, especially if they could express themselves in words. She would definitely consider this once she got back to picking. “Would… you perhaps like a fruit? I know that you usually eat meat, but I find most people enjoy something sweet from time to time.” Haha… smalltalk. She could totally manage that. Even if it was with a pair that weren’t both human.

[Shoki]

Quiorith nodded when Nihla referenced their break. He was enjoying it, so far as it went. He almost always preferred to be in the sky over being on the ground but he liked it when R'le was happy and R'le liked not having stiff legs all day. It made sense when he looked at it from his rider's perspective. Sitting on someone else's back all day meant you couldn't move yourself, even if it was flying around in the sky. So as long as the breaks didn't last to long, they were just fine with him. When she offered to give him a fruit the Cloud looked a touch confused for a minute.

But I'm not a Wood dragon... R'le laughed once then turned to the dragon.

If you want it, say so. If you don't, just say you don't. Just go with what you want and be polite. Quiorith thought about it for a minute, before turning and addressing Nihla.

I, uh, would like a fruit then. Please.