Elendor
Followup Discussions
Caileann and Ciaran go over the meeting and exchange thoughts.
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Dunland - Creatrach
Description: [Caileann(#20237)] The Hall of Fire has been empty of its arguing Fians for some hours now, replaced by the usual hustling forms of servants and the various other guests. The large table itself seems to be a zone of quiet, empty of people save for the tall figure of Cailean Ranich walking up and down it. His face may not betray it, but the nature and duration of his wandering - up and down, up and down, pausing on occasion to run his fingers over the wood - hints at a thoughtfulness on his part.
Outside all are in good cheer, drinking and celebrating the election of a new Ceann. Or at least, the revelers are loud enough overpower the naysayers. Still, everyone needs a break at some point. Ciaran makes his way into the keep, and he's halfway through the hall when he spots his uncle. "Caileann.. You're not enjoying the festivities?"
Caileann looks up at the sound of his nephew's voice, giving the young Fian a slight bow of respect as he approaches. "I was merely taking a moment to reflect on the day's events - one never knows when the next Ceann will be chosen, and for it to be so easy and bloodless gives those of us older in years reason to pause for a moment." After a moment of awkward, stony silence, he will add "Are you enjoying yourself, Fian? I cannot recall if you have seen such occasions before."
"I.. am." Ciaran answers, but the way he hesitates there's obviously something on his mind. He approaches Caileann and sits down at a chair near his uncle. "I've been wondering about Breveg. Maybe it was a mistake to take the man at his word. I know it's what my father would have done, but, it seems as if he has his own agenda."
[Caileann(#20237)] "Aye..." Caileann will rub his chin thoughtfully for a moment, at several points opening his mouth as though to say something, but never quite vocalizing it. After a moment, he will manage "Aye, that he does. Were it my place, I would chide him for forgetting today that he was a retainer of Fian Ranich and using the occasion as a way of presenting himself, but..."
There's another pause, a deep drawing of breath before he continues "It must also be recognized that he speaks his mind - it attests to his personal sense of honour, if not his sense of fealty. He is Barseg's son - one way or another, he would have been brought into the matter merely by his presence, and those such as Maulduin knew that he would not have backed down. If I might advise, perhaps my Fian should consider this each time there is a meeting of political import - Breveg is a good man it would appear, but he will surely become involved at some stage in any matter of politics he is present for, and if my Fian worries that he will misrepresent Ranich..."
Ciaran looks over at Caileann in a sidelong manner, "Uncle.. You need not be so formal." He pushes back hair from his eyes, his expression growing sour. "Breveg did speak out of place several times. But, he made good points and was useful in providing details we didn't know. I didn't ask him any questions, out of respect for my father and his." The Fian props one arm on the table. "He was upset when I did not press to be Ceann. He has strong loyalty after knowing me for only a week."
Caileann shrugs, conceding a nod to his nephew. "I apologize - sometimes I get carried away in my sense of propriety... I forget that the formality is, for now, aside." Stepping closer, he will clasp a hand on Ciaran's shoulder, continuing. "Breveg has already proven to be a very good retainer, and I have little reason to doubt that he will remain loyal to you. As I say, his sense of honour is to be commended, even though at times he may forget that he represents Ranich and not necessarily his own interests."
"We all wondered if you would not try for the title, Ciaran - young and yet wise as you are. We would have all supported you as well, and I feel that Breveg would have been at the front of that. In the end, you chose not to, which I think was perhaps the best decision for Ranich for the time, but none who have none you even a week can doubt that the son of Donnchad inherited many of his father's traits." As if to drive the point home, the warrior will offer a rare grin.
Ciaran smiles in return, nodding quietly. "I missed my father today. I was thinking quite a bit about how he would have voted." He lets the smile fade. "I thought about making a claim, even before Breveg spoke." The man admits, sighing. "I said too much at the meeting, I should have remained quiet. I wasn't thinking of Ranich as much as I should have been."
[Caileann(#20237)] "What is done is done. You at least do not have to worry about the Ceann being vindictive because you chose to support another - Gregoir was the clear victor, and you even preceded his kin in supporting him. If he remembers this, it will likely be favourable for you, given the respect he seems to have for you."
After a moment the smile slips away, Cailean's face once again becoming impassive as he adds "If there is anyone to be wary of, it is Maulduin, and that is always the case. With any luck all you will have to worry about is copper-headed girls being sent over to 'meet' your son in a few years." The older man will pause then, his face clouding for a moment and his brows furrowing. When he speaks, it will be in a slow, quiet voice, almost hesitant. "Tell me though, if I may ask... What was your opinion of Diarmad, nephew?"
"He was the best choice. Gregoir has a large family to support him, he likely has more experience than I do in battle, and he's no stranger to politics given the brood he's grown up with. I think that people may try to manipulate him, but he seemed sharp enough to stick to what he wanted. Ruaidhri wasn't happy. He wanted someone else in the seat." Ciaran says, perhaps eager to share his thoughts.
"I do not like Diarmad. He contradicted what he said last night and is ambitious in the wrong ways. I don't think he would have hesitated to sacrifice anyone that got in his way. I didn't like the way he treated Gabhran's grandson and all I could think about was if anything happened to me, what would be done with Cavan?" The fian smirks, sighing, "As I said, I wasn't thinking of Ranich as much as I ought to have been at times."
Caileann nods, scratching his chin as Ciaran explains and occasionally murmuring in the affirmative. "I see... Yes. It is clear that you put much thought into this. I must admit, I wondered if your opinion of the man was not influenced by his treatment of the child Aeden. It seems that this was not your only reason for choosing not to support him, of course." Pausing to clear his throat, Cailean will pull himself upright to his full height and once again place a hand briefly on his nephew's shoulder. "I respected your decision as my Fian, and I can safely say you have my support as my respected kin, Ciaran. If I was wrong in wondering about your reasons, I apologize wholly."
"If he places no worth on a child, how would he have seen the value of the farmers that might be needed to keep him fed through his ambition? I wasn't thinking only of our village, either. We are fortunate in that we are recluse and usually only have brigands and goblins to worry of, but what of the other villages along the borders where he wants to pick his fights?" Ciaran shakes his head. "No, I would have spoken against him sooner, but I was hoping to avoid making any enemies."
[Caileann(#20237)] "True enough, Ciaran. Part of me wonders now if you shouldn't have sought the title after all... Gregoir seems to mirror many of your concerns, however, and while Ruadhri Maulduin is perhaps dangerous in his proximity to the Ceann, he is also invaluable due to his experience..." Cailean will sigh then, wiping his face with a hand to express his concern.
"And with conflict becoming less of a possibility and more of a certainty, we need a leader who can draw from experience and history as /well/ as courage if we are to stand any chance. I do not doubt Diarmad's arm, merely his temper, and I do not think the Wulf would be in any mood to ally with us if Kedhern's brother lead the Bear clan."
"At first I thought that Gregoir demanding Kedhern accompany Kavanagh was a bad choice. It seemed an impulse decision to flex his power. Now, though, it could be that he was trying to get a sure enemy as far away as he could. One less knife in the back for him to worry about. Laoghaire surely has far more experience with treachery than I." Ciaran looks down.
"I am far better suited being supportive and an aid to a Ceann I can stand behind. We have crops in reserve that the others know nothing of. The grain.. you saw how much we harvested. I know nothing of war and that is what the spring will bring us." Ciaran gives his uncle a wry grin, "I know how to feed an army, though." He pauses, then adds, "And I want to pursue a project that my father talked of."
[Caileann(#20237)] "The other Fians often forget that Ranich, though lacking its own /large/ army, helps feed theirs. I fear that the Ceann may not think of this come time for fighting." Ciaran's mention of a 'project' yields a cocked eyebrow from the stoic old man, who lowers his voice appropriately. "Your father was a wise and clever man, but I must ask - is this project one you should speak of openly here? There are other ears besides ours that can hear, I am sure."
"I will remind them." Ciaran says in an easy tone, grinning at Caileann's interest in the secret project. "We will need to see if we can purchase some tools while we are here. A couple of pick-axes. Some rope. Hinges if we can find any." He gives his uncle a sly look, "Just farming supplies for winter repairs."
[Caileann(#20237)] "Of course." Cailean appears to be catching on now, nodding along with the hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I will look into it personally - I feel it only right since my duties have kept me from helping with the farm work as much as I might like. Should I send word back to Ranich as well to begin preparing some lumber, or do you feel that it can wait?"
"I would rather keep everyone here. There could be bandits waiting for single runners to be sent after the Ceann was chosen. I wouldn't want to risk anyone." Ciaran pushes to stand up. "I hope that we are not stuck here too much longer. I feel I should be home right now."
Caileann will nod thoughtfully, offering a slight shrug to Ciaran's complaints. "Such is the way of things - be glad that the decision was a quick one, or we would be here even longer. It will not be long before things die down, though..." Cailean will bite his tongue for a moment as he glances around, leaning in and murmuring "If your father were here he might mention that there are reasons even a Fian might leave early without drawing much attention or criticism."
"True. Breveg did much to encourage things to move swiftly." Ciaran shrugs. "Maybe I will ask his opinion on leaving early. He might have insight. I think I will return to the festivities and enjoy some ale."
[Caileann(#20237)] "As well you should. You may be a Fian, but you are a young man as well, Ciaran. Enjoy yourself tonight and celebrate. We can speak more on your personal projects tomorrow, if you wish." Cailean will extend a hand to his nephew, smiling slightly. "Your father would be proud of how you acquitted yourself, I am sure. No doubt he rests happy with Kiern this night."
Ciaran grasps Cailean's hand and smiles. "Thank you, Uncle." He's thoughtful, then says in a quiet voice, "See if you can find a strong metal spike, too. The kind you can drive into a tree to get sap." The man turns to head out then, joining up with Durien who has been waiting outside and the both of them go off to find ale.
Outside all are in good cheer, drinking and celebrating the election of a new Ceann. Or at least, the revelers are loud enough overpower the naysayers. Still, everyone needs a break at some point. Ciaran makes his way into the keep, and he's halfway through the hall when he spots his uncle. "Caileann.. You're not enjoying the festivities?"
Caileann looks up at the sound of his nephew's voice, giving the young Fian a slight bow of respect as he approaches. "I was merely taking a moment to reflect on the day's events - one never knows when the next Ceann will be chosen, and for it to be so easy and bloodless gives those of us older in years reason to pause for a moment." After a moment of awkward, stony silence, he will add "Are you enjoying yourself, Fian? I cannot recall if you have seen such occasions before."
"I.. am." Ciaran answers, but the way he hesitates there's obviously something on his mind. He approaches Caileann and sits down at a chair near his uncle. "I've been wondering about Breveg. Maybe it was a mistake to take the man at his word. I know it's what my father would have done, but, it seems as if he has his own agenda."
[Caileann(#20237)] "Aye..." Caileann will rub his chin thoughtfully for a moment, at several points opening his mouth as though to say something, but never quite vocalizing it. After a moment, he will manage "Aye, that he does. Were it my place, I would chide him for forgetting today that he was a retainer of Fian Ranich and using the occasion as a way of presenting himself, but..."
There's another pause, a deep drawing of breath before he continues "It must also be recognized that he speaks his mind - it attests to his personal sense of honour, if not his sense of fealty. He is Barseg's son - one way or another, he would have been brought into the matter merely by his presence, and those such as Maulduin knew that he would not have backed down. If I might advise, perhaps my Fian should consider this each time there is a meeting of political import - Breveg is a good man it would appear, but he will surely become involved at some stage in any matter of politics he is present for, and if my Fian worries that he will misrepresent Ranich..."
Ciaran looks over at Caileann in a sidelong manner, "Uncle.. You need not be so formal." He pushes back hair from his eyes, his expression growing sour. "Breveg did speak out of place several times. But, he made good points and was useful in providing details we didn't know. I didn't ask him any questions, out of respect for my father and his." The Fian props one arm on the table. "He was upset when I did not press to be Ceann. He has strong loyalty after knowing me for only a week."
Caileann shrugs, conceding a nod to his nephew. "I apologize - sometimes I get carried away in my sense of propriety... I forget that the formality is, for now, aside." Stepping closer, he will clasp a hand on Ciaran's shoulder, continuing. "Breveg has already proven to be a very good retainer, and I have little reason to doubt that he will remain loyal to you. As I say, his sense of honour is to be commended, even though at times he may forget that he represents Ranich and not necessarily his own interests."
"We all wondered if you would not try for the title, Ciaran - young and yet wise as you are. We would have all supported you as well, and I feel that Breveg would have been at the front of that. In the end, you chose not to, which I think was perhaps the best decision for Ranich for the time, but none who have none you even a week can doubt that the son of Donnchad inherited many of his father's traits." As if to drive the point home, the warrior will offer a rare grin.
Ciaran smiles in return, nodding quietly. "I missed my father today. I was thinking quite a bit about how he would have voted." He lets the smile fade. "I thought about making a claim, even before Breveg spoke." The man admits, sighing. "I said too much at the meeting, I should have remained quiet. I wasn't thinking of Ranich as much as I should have been."
[Caileann(#20237)] "What is done is done. You at least do not have to worry about the Ceann being vindictive because you chose to support another - Gregoir was the clear victor, and you even preceded his kin in supporting him. If he remembers this, it will likely be favourable for you, given the respect he seems to have for you."
After a moment the smile slips away, Cailean's face once again becoming impassive as he adds "If there is anyone to be wary of, it is Maulduin, and that is always the case. With any luck all you will have to worry about is copper-headed girls being sent over to 'meet' your son in a few years." The older man will pause then, his face clouding for a moment and his brows furrowing. When he speaks, it will be in a slow, quiet voice, almost hesitant. "Tell me though, if I may ask... What was your opinion of Diarmad, nephew?"
"He was the best choice. Gregoir has a large family to support him, he likely has more experience than I do in battle, and he's no stranger to politics given the brood he's grown up with. I think that people may try to manipulate him, but he seemed sharp enough to stick to what he wanted. Ruaidhri wasn't happy. He wanted someone else in the seat." Ciaran says, perhaps eager to share his thoughts.
"I do not like Diarmad. He contradicted what he said last night and is ambitious in the wrong ways. I don't think he would have hesitated to sacrifice anyone that got in his way. I didn't like the way he treated Gabhran's grandson and all I could think about was if anything happened to me, what would be done with Cavan?" The fian smirks, sighing, "As I said, I wasn't thinking of Ranich as much as I ought to have been at times."
Caileann nods, scratching his chin as Ciaran explains and occasionally murmuring in the affirmative. "I see... Yes. It is clear that you put much thought into this. I must admit, I wondered if your opinion of the man was not influenced by his treatment of the child Aeden. It seems that this was not your only reason for choosing not to support him, of course." Pausing to clear his throat, Cailean will pull himself upright to his full height and once again place a hand briefly on his nephew's shoulder. "I respected your decision as my Fian, and I can safely say you have my support as my respected kin, Ciaran. If I was wrong in wondering about your reasons, I apologize wholly."
"If he places no worth on a child, how would he have seen the value of the farmers that might be needed to keep him fed through his ambition? I wasn't thinking only of our village, either. We are fortunate in that we are recluse and usually only have brigands and goblins to worry of, but what of the other villages along the borders where he wants to pick his fights?" Ciaran shakes his head. "No, I would have spoken against him sooner, but I was hoping to avoid making any enemies."
[Caileann(#20237)] "True enough, Ciaran. Part of me wonders now if you shouldn't have sought the title after all... Gregoir seems to mirror many of your concerns, however, and while Ruadhri Maulduin is perhaps dangerous in his proximity to the Ceann, he is also invaluable due to his experience..." Cailean will sigh then, wiping his face with a hand to express his concern.
"And with conflict becoming less of a possibility and more of a certainty, we need a leader who can draw from experience and history as /well/ as courage if we are to stand any chance. I do not doubt Diarmad's arm, merely his temper, and I do not think the Wulf would be in any mood to ally with us if Kedhern's brother lead the Bear clan."
"At first I thought that Gregoir demanding Kedhern accompany Kavanagh was a bad choice. It seemed an impulse decision to flex his power. Now, though, it could be that he was trying to get a sure enemy as far away as he could. One less knife in the back for him to worry about. Laoghaire surely has far more experience with treachery than I." Ciaran looks down.
"I am far better suited being supportive and an aid to a Ceann I can stand behind. We have crops in reserve that the others know nothing of. The grain.. you saw how much we harvested. I know nothing of war and that is what the spring will bring us." Ciaran gives his uncle a wry grin, "I know how to feed an army, though." He pauses, then adds, "And I want to pursue a project that my father talked of."
[Caileann(#20237)] "The other Fians often forget that Ranich, though lacking its own /large/ army, helps feed theirs. I fear that the Ceann may not think of this come time for fighting." Ciaran's mention of a 'project' yields a cocked eyebrow from the stoic old man, who lowers his voice appropriately. "Your father was a wise and clever man, but I must ask - is this project one you should speak of openly here? There are other ears besides ours that can hear, I am sure."
"I will remind them." Ciaran says in an easy tone, grinning at Caileann's interest in the secret project. "We will need to see if we can purchase some tools while we are here. A couple of pick-axes. Some rope. Hinges if we can find any." He gives his uncle a sly look, "Just farming supplies for winter repairs."
[Caileann(#20237)] "Of course." Cailean appears to be catching on now, nodding along with the hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I will look into it personally - I feel it only right since my duties have kept me from helping with the farm work as much as I might like. Should I send word back to Ranich as well to begin preparing some lumber, or do you feel that it can wait?"
"I would rather keep everyone here. There could be bandits waiting for single runners to be sent after the Ceann was chosen. I wouldn't want to risk anyone." Ciaran pushes to stand up. "I hope that we are not stuck here too much longer. I feel I should be home right now."
Caileann will nod thoughtfully, offering a slight shrug to Ciaran's complaints. "Such is the way of things - be glad that the decision was a quick one, or we would be here even longer. It will not be long before things die down, though..." Cailean will bite his tongue for a moment as he glances around, leaning in and murmuring "If your father were here he might mention that there are reasons even a Fian might leave early without drawing much attention or criticism."
"True. Breveg did much to encourage things to move swiftly." Ciaran shrugs. "Maybe I will ask his opinion on leaving early. He might have insight. I think I will return to the festivities and enjoy some ale."
[Caileann(#20237)] "As well you should. You may be a Fian, but you are a young man as well, Ciaran. Enjoy yourself tonight and celebrate. We can speak more on your personal projects tomorrow, if you wish." Cailean will extend a hand to his nephew, smiling slightly. "Your father would be proud of how you acquitted yourself, I am sure. No doubt he rests happy with Kiern this night."
Ciaran grasps Cailean's hand and smiles. "Thank you, Uncle." He's thoughtful, then says in a quiet voice, "See if you can find a strong metal spike, too. The kind you can drive into a tree to get sap." The man turns to head out then, joining up with Durien who has been waiting outside and the both of them go off to find ale.
Players: Caileann, Ciaran
Located in: Dunlending
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