"I guess we both want to be the voice of what's new and trendy in the political world, to put it simply," Rilora shrugged. She loved to talk about the world, but she didn't feel ready to act in it yet. There would come a time, though, when she'd have to lead and make choices, ready or not. It sent chills down her spine, but she wished it were only because of the care she had for her new home. Would policy really get dicey? Could K'nan be right: another War to happen if things weren't dealt with tactfully and with skill? The Pern she knew had had enough of conflict.
"You seem to know more about Fort history than I. I wouldn't mind hearing about it sometime," Rilora mentioned. Her drive to lead the Weyr well was so strong and so enforced. History seemed to have some help, though where the world was headed - Faranth only knew. They were told these were peaceful times, but the more she learned the more Rilora felt that strange was a better descriptor.
"Any news from Ice Stone?" Rilora asked. One of their strongest allies and yet she had heard least of them in recent news.
"That we do. But I don't think that Benden will be willing to compromise with us and I am not certain how much those of Rainbow Mists Weyr will be willing to compromise either." He shook his head, feeling almost dismayed.
He smiled a little and nodded. "You remember the old man, Z'lin? The one who died recently? He told me all about it. He took part in the Uprising. His point of view changed a lot in his time here, but apparently there were three sides to hte conflict. Two were more aligned to each other than others. He never really seemed completely okay, though..." he mused for a moment. Z'lin, although he did not get along that well with kids, had become a good friend to K'nan after a time.
He didn't here her at first, but, after a moment, his mind registered that she had asked him a question. "Oh... sorry about that." He was quiet a gain for a moment. "Well... I really haven't heard too much. Just the general news. Seems they are having a little bit more trouble trying to take care of things now that Nai has stepped down as Weyrwoman. They are all very tough Riders. There is some tension between the Riders and the current leaders of the Weyr. They aren't able to command the same respect as Nai, though it varies day to day. It's just what I ahve heard, though, little more." He shrugged and shook his head. "It almost seems as if tensions are running high all over Pern right now."
"Well, perhaps then with tensions high it is best to find calm things to ponder," Rilora mentioned. She welcomed the new information, but stored it away to process later in small increments. She waved at a bug that was getting too close to her tangled hair. Dinner was almost finished and the bits that were left were cold. She thought about frowning, but she'd had a nice time with K'nan. It wasn't worth spoiling.
"This has been lovely," she mentioned quietly, at a loss for "good" conversation but just enjoying his company. People didn't do that often enough. Rilora glanced upward at the stars that were spread out now in a glorious blanket over the soft black-blue sky.
"...I think I should turn in though. I've got some things to do tomorrow and I have some errands to run. Mum and some of the kids want to make a visit soon and I want to make sure the place looks nice for them when they get here." Family. It was typically family, but she liked it that way. Loving, predictable. She missed them when she wasn't at the Hold.
"Perhaps it is. There just seems to be more and more tension to think about at times...." He shook his head sadly and pushed the thoughts aside before smiling calmly. He had enjoyed this evening. A lot. He didn't even notice the food left on his plate, which, honestly, was not just crumbs. He had forgotten about eating at some point during the conversation.
He smiled warmly at her. "It has indeed," he said. He sat in a very relaxed, calm manner, his head rested on his hand. He was thinking again. His expression was casual and calm. He enjoyed her company, even in the silence. He looked up at the stars. "Beautiful, don't you think?" he asked, his voice almost a little bit breathy.
"Oh! Alright. If there is anything you need, you can always ask. I hope their visit goes well." He was pretty sure he would probably see her family when they came, but he wasn't sure. He didn't expect to necessarily.
He supposed that turning in would be a good idea for her. He just didn't want to let the time slip by...