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Shiloh, on of her days off, had spent the day observing the Riders of the Weyr with Lyrieth, the two of them lounging in the sun or cozying up to inquisitive Weyrfolk - some were still shy, but many were coming around to the blue, surprised at his positive adorableness and his extremely sweet demeanor. Belly rubs were a bit of a joke now, thankfully, and he'd made a game of it with some Weyrbrats, hoping to catch their gratitude and influence their opinion of him in a positive light for future use.

Thus, when Second Wing finally returned at it was the squad they were looking for, Lyrieth thrummed pleasantly, leaning against his rider. He'd grown quite a bit in the intervening days and though his skin itched frequently, he was healthy as could be hoped for. I told you laying out the bucket would be a good idea. Don't need to let him know it was us, but just the same. Lyrieth's musical voice was smug as it coiled around Shiloh's mind.

She smiled and rubbed the top of his head, "Indeed."

Rising, they meandered across the field before stopping a respectful distance away. Shiloh looked up at C'tis' blue with curiosity, something akin to pride swelling in her breast as she considered what her brilliant Lyrieth would become. "Sir...? Do you have a moment?"

They'd tried gathering information about the Camping debacle but not much beyond juicy rumors had be available. It was time to speak to someone higher up... and that Lyrieth and Shiloh were aiming for one of the first two wings when they graduated made C'tis a natural choice - bluerider, present at the camping trouble, and wingsecond. They'd just have to play him right.

Lyrieth grinned at the comment, a mouth full of sharp teeth revealed, and ruffled his wings. I have, thankfully. The laughter in his voice made Shiloh grin as she patted his head, "He says he has, thankfully."

She seemed pleased to garner a moment of his time and dipped her in thanks and respect as she replied, "Oh! We're Lyrieth and Shiloh, sir. Hopefuls to your Wing, actually, and that's what I was hoping to talk to you about - do you have any advice for us?" They'd thrown themselves into their studies since the Hatching and Shiloh rather hoped Lyrieth's initial infamy and their hard work had circulated enough to tickle at the First and Second Wings' ears.

"I was at the Candidate Camp when the Holdless hit us... and when I saw it was Second Wing that responded, well, it was enough inspiration to learn what it takes." She glanced at her dragon then back at C'tis, "You've overcome the ridiculous colour versus skill aspect of politics and I was hoping you'd perhaps offer some mentorship."

You can ease up, Mine... don't overdo it at the outset. The blue sat a little to the front of Shiloh, obviously in a protective, if not possessive, posture.

Well, well... this one is full of information... and he's open to more formal arrangements... we should request combat training then, to spar with him and watch his wing work. What should we offer though... The blue thrummed thoughtfully, obviously considering the implications of C'tis' comments while inwardly scheming to get the most of out the man while offering the least. After a moment, the blue settled quietly, Offer him eyes and ears, knowledge, and assistance with his chores when you're not in lessons.

Shiloh had been listening attentively, nodding at key points. When he was finished, she replied, "I've redoubled my efforts in class - the Camping trip was a cold, hard reminder of the use of self defense. Ended up sticking one of them with a sedative-laced needle but that won't always save me. Would you allow us to watch your Wing sparring then? Perhaps some private lessons."

At the advice to make connections, she grinned, "I fully understand that aspect..." A blue flit appeared out of thin air then and settled on her shoulder as if summoned, "Connections prove particularly helpful. This is Gawk. Between the three of us, I'm sure we can offer something of use to you - assistance in equipment upkeep maybe? Or an extra pair of eyes and ears when you need it." She was nonchalant as she spoke and she felt the pride swell in Lyrieth at her smoothness, "You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours - and we'll remember it when the metallic ceiling is broken."

Shiloh laughed and shrugged, "Give us a fortnight to prove ourselves. I'll have another firelizard by then, also free, and you can judge from that whether Lyrieth and I are good for gathering intel and favours." She pet Gawk as Lyrieth sounded his approval in her mind. He wasn't sure quite yet how to play this human but Shiloh was reading him quite well. "I prefer the Green or Blue simply because much larger and people take notice... too easy to link back to an owner."

At the mention of Malcarreth contacting Lyrieth after drills, Lyrieth bowed a bit in thanks. I look forward to training with Mine. I will contact you directly if we learn things of an interesting nature. The young blue's voice was musical, sweet, seductive with just enough respect to avoid sounding arrogant as he bespoke the older blue.

Shiloh nodded, "That's fine with me, I'll prove we're a good bet." She held out a hand for a shake, smiling, "But know, Lyrieth and I will break that ceiling regardless of if you help or not. It's simply a matter of who we consider allies in the end."