Skulking About
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Aaron, Curious
Date Posted: 7th October 2022
Characters: Ay'ell, Ç'pier
Description: Ay'ell calls in another favor.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 3, day 16 of Turn 11
For a trader, there was no such thing as a familiar place outside of the wagon where they slept, so Pierce was more than used to finding his way in the dark. He had spent the first while at the Weyr convincing his bunkmates that he had an overactive bladder and needed to be up several times a night to relieve himself, so it was relatively easy to sneak out and in without causing undue suspicion among his newfound peers. At least, none of them had challenged him about it yet. No doubt some of them suspected he was seeing a lover.
Climbing so many stairs was certainly a new experience the first time he had done it, but by now, he considered himself used to it. He was more than fit enough not to be huffing and puffing when he finally reached the door to Ay'ell's weyr. Whenever the man called for him to do one of his ‘favors’, this was where he expected Pierce to take his direction. He slipped quietly inside.
"I'm here," he said.
Tseyth reacted before his rider. Curled up on his bed, the blue lifted his head and offered a rumble of greeting.
Not a moment later, Ay'ell's voice called out, warm, clear, and confident. "Good. Please, have a seat."
The bluerider was sitting in a plush armchair with an identical one sitting across from it. This was where he gestured for Pierce to sit down, as easy smile displayed on his face as he did so.
Pierce felt a touch uncomfortable with such a comfortable chair. He was not used to such things. But he suspected that was part of Ay'ell's game. He sat and crossed his legs.
Ay'ell eyed Pierce for a moment before speaking. "I'm afraid that this isn't going to be a pleasant discussion. I've fallen upon some... Unfortunate circumstances." He crossed his arms, the fingers of his right hand tapping rhythmically against his left forearm. "Tell me, Pierce. Do you know what happens if someone who broke a deal is allowed to get away with it with no consequences?"
"Word gets out," said Pierce. "Sooner or later, everyone thinks they can get away with breaking deals." He raised an eyebrow. He suspected this was a two pronged question. Ay'ell was both making sure Pierce knew what he had to do and that he knew what would happen to him if he did not. It mattered little to him. He had no attachment to anyone in the Weyr but Blue.
A small, satisfied smile curled across Ay'ell's lips. The boy understood the situation. Good. It would make things much easier if he knew where he stood.
"Indeed," the bluerider said. "I like to think that I am a kind, patient man. However, I simply cannot afford to let someone go without fulfilling their half of a bargain, no matter their circumstances." He leaned forward and dropped his chin into the palm of his hand. "A young woman has fallen too far behind on her payments for me to continue turning a blind eye. I need you to remind her of the urgency of her situation."
Pierce nodded. He was not sure just how conflicted Ay'ell really was, but at the end of the day, it did not matter, and he did not care. He was not thrilled with the prospect of hurting anyone, but it was not personal. He understood very well the costs of the deal he was making when he made it, and this young woman, whoever she was, should have known as well. If she did not have the money she owed, well, then this was what she owed instead, and it was no business of Pierce's to question it. It was his business to collect it.
"How much does she owe you tonight," he asked, "on a scale from pissing her bloomers to spending a few sevendays in a cast?"
Ay'ell's lips twitched ever so slightly. Oh yes, this young man had been a wise investment indeed.
"You're looking for Saedyna, a fellow candidate of yours. She owes ten marks, due immediately. If you can get her to pay, fantastic. If not..." He tapped his fingers against his chin. "I'll let you get creative with it. Make her understand that her actions are not without consequence, and give her incentive to be more responsible going forward."
If that meant a few sevendays in a cast for the girl, then so be it. If Pierce could pull it off with only giving her a scare and a few bruises, that was fine too. What mattered was that he was effective. And oh, he'd better be effective. 'Don't fail me,' the glimmer in the bluerider's eyes said.
Pierce knew who she was. He knew all of their names and faces. But he had not sought out any relationship with any of them beyond the ones who spoke to him first. For each of them, he was sure to play the friendly role. He knew how to sell himself. Every trader worth his salt did. And they all â€" or very close to all â€" likely believed he was their friend.
"Understood," he said with a nod. It might be difficult to get her alone without anyone knowing he was with her â€" or even leaving room to suspect that he _could_ have been with her, but he would manage it. One way or another.
"Good!" Ay'ell dropped his hands and straightened back up. His grin had fallen before, but now he plastered it back across his face. "I look forward to seeing your work. You're dismissed."
Pierce nodded, stood, bowed slightly, and then crept silently down stair and corridor, through dark and moonlight back to bed.
Last updated on the October 30th 2022