Elendor
Private Council
Ciaran gets council from his uncle after arriving in Creatrach and getting a taste for the situation.
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Dunland - Creatrach
Description: Inside Creatrach Keep, through the Hall of Fire, there are guest quarters. Most of the other Fian's and their confidants are elsewhere, getting drunk or participating in games or gambling or both. Newly arrived, Ciaran Ranich hasn't gotten that far yet. He's waiting in the hallway outside of a smaller room that a servant was ousted from days ago, watching for his uncle's arrival.
Cailean is not long in arriving after the Fian's retainer comes for him, striding through the doors and down the hall in silence, eyes fixed on his nephew. "Have you need of me, Fian?" Straight and to the point as ever, but after a moment or so of hesitation, he'll add in "Have you yet found a room for yourself? You may want to settle in soon." As if to emphasize the point, he'll shift the weight of Ciaran's bag on his shoulder.
Ciaran moves forward to take the bag from the man, then gestures him into the tiny room. "In here. Thank you, Uncle." He sets the pack down on one of two cots. "I want you to stay here as well. There are two beds and you are kin. No one will argue it. Fian Ruaidhri has his entire legacy staying here."
Cailean follows Ciaran with a nod, surveying the room. He grunts at the mention of the Fian's family, offering "Fian Ruaidhri's kin are never more than an arm's length from his side, I hear. Perhaps it is to be expected - he is aging, and should he take ill, I am certain that they would desire to be there."
That's all he'll venture on the situation, however, and will move to place his own pack on the other empty cot though he himself will remain standing. "If it is your wish, I will not complain about having a bed. Your retainer may want to find a place where he can be close to your side as well, however. At these kinds of gatherings, it can be important, though order should be well maintained."
Ciaran moves to press the door closed after a glance down the hall, then drops to sit on the cot next to his pack with an exhausted sigh. "I don't know if I should have him by my side in the meetings. I was hoping you would stay near."
Cailean nods, moving over to the door and leaning his considerable frame against it as the young Fian moves to sit. "Your father trusted his father as an honourable man, and he has sworn himself to your service, but I can see your hesitation. He is new to us, and an outsider. Perhaps the Fian would consider keeping him close enough to see, but an arm's length from his side for now, but that is only my advice. I will accompany you as befits your role as both my Fian and my kin, though there may be times when the Fians must talk alone. I will await you here during those times."
The Fian seems to relax a bit at the reassurance for support from his uncle. "I don't think there is any treachury with the man. What would he stand to gain?" Ciaran leans back against the wall, reaching for the staff that belonged to father, and his grandfather before that. He pulls it into his lap and rubs his thumb over where the blood still stains the wood from Breveg's oath.
"What I am concerned for is that if the others recognize him for who he is. Barseg was Ceann in the past and the other Fianni may form premature opinions on where I stand if they see his son always at my side." Ciaran gazes up at the older man. "I need to determine who to support.. who is the best for Caerdh."
"That is also true - your father's faith in your insight was not without reason. You should have time to make your decision, of course - there will be much arguing for a time, and no one will agree. It may be worth noting the names that are brought up the most, but if I may offer more pertinent advice, I would suggest that you keep your own counsel, at least at first. Men will come to you saying many things to try and sway you to them, and you may be tempted to join the arguments, but hotheadness will bring no good."
Ciaran smiles at the compliment and nods thoughtfully. "Yes.. Already Ruaidhri was dropping hints. I'll try to avoid getting pulled into fruitless arguments. I will need to participate some, or they may think that I have no interest at all." He smirks, "Just arrived and I am already worried about what the other Fian's will think."
Never one for smiles, Cailean will shrug instead, offering "Old men think often about their final place and where they leave their kin." Then, more dryly, he'll add "It shouldn't be difficult to tell - if they're nice, they need you, and if they go from being nice to being insulting, they are desperate. You are Donnchad's son, and none can dispute that Donnchad was a wise and just Fian..." His courage, however, they can argue about. "If they are wise, they will show you the same respect."
"If I support the wrong man and another is chosen as Ceann, he may take the slight as an excuse to give Ranich to another to govern. Brodie was a terrible Ceann, but Kavanagh men still control a large stretch of land to the south." He is quiet again as his thoughts move along another strain.
"We should make sure that the others know not to speak too much about the good harvest. We don't want to give any excuses for people to take extra interest in Ranich. I am hoping they will spend their thoughts on comparing me to my father, and not on how my father left things over the summer." Ciaran was so late to the meetings because he was hustling his people to collect one last bumper harvest they managed to squeeze in after all the rains during the fall. "Kierkgard was burned, and there are a lot of hungry and overburdened holds this winter."
"I will see to it that the word is passed around at the first opportunity, then. I must admit, I would not have thought to do the same - but then, that is why you are Fian." Stepping away from the door momentarily, Cailean will continue speaking. "When are you first going to be called to the other Fians? It may be best that I attend to this now, unless I am to accompany you to a meeting soon."
"I don't think there will be an official meeting again until tomorrow. That's the impression that I got from Mailduin. I will double-check that nothing is planned for tonight, though." Ciaran finally pushes up from his slouching position and stands.
He reaches to rest his left hand on Cailean's shoulder and with his right to grasp the larger man's hand. "Thank you for your guidance and support, Uncle. I am glad to have someone watching my back. I am sure that my father rests easier with Kiern knowing that you are by my side."
Cailean will firmly clasp his young nephew's hand, a rare smile on his face for a moment as he says "Your father remains as busy as ever watching over us all as he walks with Kiern, I am sure." Then it's back to business with a nod as he releases his Fian's hand - "I will speak with the men and tell them of your wishes before they get much drink into them, and will find where they rest for the night. If I come across Breveg, shall I direct him to you?"
Ciaran turns to collect up his cloak again, pulling it on before picking up the staff. It may seem nothing more than an ornamental walking stick, but the Fian has spent a lot of time learning to wield it over the years. It's an unassuming weapon, but he's comfortable enough with it. "I'll walk out with you.. we'll be going right through the hall so we should be able to see if any are planning to gather tonight." He takes one more moment to rifle through his pack and pulls out a small pouch of coin, the only thing of wealth that would be worth stealing other than food and a change of clothing.
Cailean moves to open the door while he waits for Ciaran, motioning for the Fian to exit first. "I'm sure that there will be gatherings of a sort, though they may not all be open to everyone, or necessarily mentioned at all. Perhaps you will find yourself invited to one. Perhaps more." Once Ciaran has left the room, the older man will close the door with a brief look around before following alongside his nephew the young Fian. "Then, there is always drink to be had, as well."
Ciaran grins, reaching to brush black hair from his eyes again as he waits for the older man to finish up. Then he walks back down the hall from the guest quarters and into the keep proper. "If they invite me I will go. It will be the fastest way to get up to date on the news of what's been happening."
"Aye, and it would help get an idea as to who is likely to be a major player in the arguments. Just remember to only listen to the parts where they *don't* try to flatter you." He'll chuckle a bit, a dry, almost humourless laugh as the pair presses on down through the hall. For his part, Cailean pays little attention to the other people, striding forward at a brisk pace and focused mostly on his young nephew. Once they're through the doors he'll pause to take a deep breath of the night air. "Let us hope that it remains orderly for the time being."
"I hope as well, but hope is not reality. If you see Breveg, send him my way. I don't think anyone would have a reason to bury a knife in my back, but all the same I'd rather avoid being an open target." Ciaran gestures towards the game tent. "I'll be in there." Then he moves off towards the tent without any further affair.
Cailean is not long in arriving after the Fian's retainer comes for him, striding through the doors and down the hall in silence, eyes fixed on his nephew. "Have you need of me, Fian?" Straight and to the point as ever, but after a moment or so of hesitation, he'll add in "Have you yet found a room for yourself? You may want to settle in soon." As if to emphasize the point, he'll shift the weight of Ciaran's bag on his shoulder.
Ciaran moves forward to take the bag from the man, then gestures him into the tiny room. "In here. Thank you, Uncle." He sets the pack down on one of two cots. "I want you to stay here as well. There are two beds and you are kin. No one will argue it. Fian Ruaidhri has his entire legacy staying here."
Cailean follows Ciaran with a nod, surveying the room. He grunts at the mention of the Fian's family, offering "Fian Ruaidhri's kin are never more than an arm's length from his side, I hear. Perhaps it is to be expected - he is aging, and should he take ill, I am certain that they would desire to be there."
That's all he'll venture on the situation, however, and will move to place his own pack on the other empty cot though he himself will remain standing. "If it is your wish, I will not complain about having a bed. Your retainer may want to find a place where he can be close to your side as well, however. At these kinds of gatherings, it can be important, though order should be well maintained."
Ciaran moves to press the door closed after a glance down the hall, then drops to sit on the cot next to his pack with an exhausted sigh. "I don't know if I should have him by my side in the meetings. I was hoping you would stay near."
Cailean nods, moving over to the door and leaning his considerable frame against it as the young Fian moves to sit. "Your father trusted his father as an honourable man, and he has sworn himself to your service, but I can see your hesitation. He is new to us, and an outsider. Perhaps the Fian would consider keeping him close enough to see, but an arm's length from his side for now, but that is only my advice. I will accompany you as befits your role as both my Fian and my kin, though there may be times when the Fians must talk alone. I will await you here during those times."
The Fian seems to relax a bit at the reassurance for support from his uncle. "I don't think there is any treachury with the man. What would he stand to gain?" Ciaran leans back against the wall, reaching for the staff that belonged to father, and his grandfather before that. He pulls it into his lap and rubs his thumb over where the blood still stains the wood from Breveg's oath.
"What I am concerned for is that if the others recognize him for who he is. Barseg was Ceann in the past and the other Fianni may form premature opinions on where I stand if they see his son always at my side." Ciaran gazes up at the older man. "I need to determine who to support.. who is the best for Caerdh."
"That is also true - your father's faith in your insight was not without reason. You should have time to make your decision, of course - there will be much arguing for a time, and no one will agree. It may be worth noting the names that are brought up the most, but if I may offer more pertinent advice, I would suggest that you keep your own counsel, at least at first. Men will come to you saying many things to try and sway you to them, and you may be tempted to join the arguments, but hotheadness will bring no good."
Ciaran smiles at the compliment and nods thoughtfully. "Yes.. Already Ruaidhri was dropping hints. I'll try to avoid getting pulled into fruitless arguments. I will need to participate some, or they may think that I have no interest at all." He smirks, "Just arrived and I am already worried about what the other Fian's will think."
Never one for smiles, Cailean will shrug instead, offering "Old men think often about their final place and where they leave their kin." Then, more dryly, he'll add "It shouldn't be difficult to tell - if they're nice, they need you, and if they go from being nice to being insulting, they are desperate. You are Donnchad's son, and none can dispute that Donnchad was a wise and just Fian..." His courage, however, they can argue about. "If they are wise, they will show you the same respect."
"If I support the wrong man and another is chosen as Ceann, he may take the slight as an excuse to give Ranich to another to govern. Brodie was a terrible Ceann, but Kavanagh men still control a large stretch of land to the south." He is quiet again as his thoughts move along another strain.
"We should make sure that the others know not to speak too much about the good harvest. We don't want to give any excuses for people to take extra interest in Ranich. I am hoping they will spend their thoughts on comparing me to my father, and not on how my father left things over the summer." Ciaran was so late to the meetings because he was hustling his people to collect one last bumper harvest they managed to squeeze in after all the rains during the fall. "Kierkgard was burned, and there are a lot of hungry and overburdened holds this winter."
"I will see to it that the word is passed around at the first opportunity, then. I must admit, I would not have thought to do the same - but then, that is why you are Fian." Stepping away from the door momentarily, Cailean will continue speaking. "When are you first going to be called to the other Fians? It may be best that I attend to this now, unless I am to accompany you to a meeting soon."
"I don't think there will be an official meeting again until tomorrow. That's the impression that I got from Mailduin. I will double-check that nothing is planned for tonight, though." Ciaran finally pushes up from his slouching position and stands.
He reaches to rest his left hand on Cailean's shoulder and with his right to grasp the larger man's hand. "Thank you for your guidance and support, Uncle. I am glad to have someone watching my back. I am sure that my father rests easier with Kiern knowing that you are by my side."
Cailean will firmly clasp his young nephew's hand, a rare smile on his face for a moment as he says "Your father remains as busy as ever watching over us all as he walks with Kiern, I am sure." Then it's back to business with a nod as he releases his Fian's hand - "I will speak with the men and tell them of your wishes before they get much drink into them, and will find where they rest for the night. If I come across Breveg, shall I direct him to you?"
Ciaran turns to collect up his cloak again, pulling it on before picking up the staff. It may seem nothing more than an ornamental walking stick, but the Fian has spent a lot of time learning to wield it over the years. It's an unassuming weapon, but he's comfortable enough with it. "I'll walk out with you.. we'll be going right through the hall so we should be able to see if any are planning to gather tonight." He takes one more moment to rifle through his pack and pulls out a small pouch of coin, the only thing of wealth that would be worth stealing other than food and a change of clothing.
Cailean moves to open the door while he waits for Ciaran, motioning for the Fian to exit first. "I'm sure that there will be gatherings of a sort, though they may not all be open to everyone, or necessarily mentioned at all. Perhaps you will find yourself invited to one. Perhaps more." Once Ciaran has left the room, the older man will close the door with a brief look around before following alongside his nephew the young Fian. "Then, there is always drink to be had, as well."
Ciaran grins, reaching to brush black hair from his eyes again as he waits for the older man to finish up. Then he walks back down the hall from the guest quarters and into the keep proper. "If they invite me I will go. It will be the fastest way to get up to date on the news of what's been happening."
"Aye, and it would help get an idea as to who is likely to be a major player in the arguments. Just remember to only listen to the parts where they *don't* try to flatter you." He'll chuckle a bit, a dry, almost humourless laugh as the pair presses on down through the hall. For his part, Cailean pays little attention to the other people, striding forward at a brisk pace and focused mostly on his young nephew. Once they're through the doors he'll pause to take a deep breath of the night air. "Let us hope that it remains orderly for the time being."
"I hope as well, but hope is not reality. If you see Breveg, send him my way. I don't think anyone would have a reason to bury a knife in my back, but all the same I'd rather avoid being an open target." Ciaran gestures towards the game tent. "I'll be in there." Then he moves off towards the tent without any further affair.
Players: Ciaran, Cailean
Located in: Dunlending
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