[Candidate] Biran of High Reaches Hold

[TawnyAngel]

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Duty. Strength. Wisdom.
These are the qualities of the son of a Lord.
These are qualities you must exemplify.

 

[TawnyAngel]

History

- 189. Biran is born to Lord Holder Tharandir and Lady Holder Sybi. He is their third child, their second son, and so naturally it is intended from the moment of his birth that he grow up to Impress a wher and take on a commanding role in his father's wher cavalry.
- 193. Sybi's brown wher Sysk dies during the dragonplague. Biran recalls him only a little.
- 195. Sybi gains Mastery and Sybisk. Biran gets the vague idea that he will become a wherhandler and defend his Hold from the war and things - though he's young he is aware of the civil war going on - which is of course encouraged.
- 195-200. Biran is now growing out of an early shyness into a confident friendly young man who would much rather go riding or play with other children than listen to his tutors. He becomes more aware of the future that is planned for him and fully embraces the idea of becoming a handler like his mother, he expresses hopes of getting a green wher or a gold but probably a green as Sybisk wouldn't like another gold around so very much.
- 200. Biran gets his own bodyguards, former candidates of HR Weyr. They start telling him about the Weyr, about dragons, and he starts getting ideas in his head about defending his Hold from the Thread on dragonback rather than from other humans on a wher. He keeps these thoughts between himself and his guards however, it's just a silly dream after all as he has his duties and so on and his parents would never approve.
- 01. Threadfall returns, Biran starts to think more seriously about riderness. His parents don't like riders, but they need riders, but what if they make the riders too angry?... Maybe if one of their children went to the Weyr they would like them more? Whers are amazing too but... well maybe his real duty isn't what his parents think it is? Still, just a dream that he discusses with his guard friends alone. There is more serious discussion of Biran's marriage to various eligible ladies. Biran has always been more interested in riding than he is in girls and is depressed by the notion but doesn't complain (much). His elder sister is to marry first however which gives him a little breathing room, for now.
- 03. Biran attends the Hatching Feast for Hiraeth's tiny clutch and becomes more enthralled by dragons than ever, despite the mild unpleasantness of the deposed Weyrleader trying to challenge T'gall (Biran thinks T'gall is cool.)
- 05. The marriage of Biran's elder sister is fast approaching! After failing to receive a firelizard egg for his sixteenth birthday - his mother is not a fan of them, she finds them frivolous - Biran decides to go out and get one for himself with his own money. Sybi is not too pleased when Biran comes to breakfast with a green firelizard one morning but she's not quite cross enough to make him get rid of it.  

[TawnyAngel]

Biran

Age: 16 turns
Gender: Male
Height: 5'9"
Build: Broad shoulders, stocky with muscle and fat
Face: Rectangular, youthfully soft jaw at present
Mannerisms: Confident open body language. Excellent posture. Gestures a lot. Smiles a lot. Makes direct eye contact.
Detailed Appearance: Biran got his dark umber skin from his mother and his broad build from his father. He's a little taller than most lads his age and is fashionably stocky but it is his excellent bearing and complete self confidence that give him a presence greater than his height and beyond his turns, though of course the finery he wears and the presence of bodyguards helps with that too. His black hair is worn in gold and jewel adorned cornrows to the back of his skull and from there it positively explodes around him in a beautiful mane of tiny tight curls that spread out to and fall to just past his shoulders, it's fortunate that he has people to help him look after it all. Though Biran's eyes are nearly as black as his hair they seldom lack for warmth or for genuine interest in what's going on around him though when he is angered they can go as hard as two pieces of jet, he's had classes with a Harper on projecting icy imperious wrath. His handsome broad-nosed face is a rectangular sort of shape and will probably have a good strong jaw one day but for now it retains a youthful softness. The lordling has a pleasant white-toothed smile too which he shares easily and not much spoiled by a couple of slightly crooked teeth.

As for clothing, well he's the second son of a powerful Lord Holder so he wears what you would expect; flatteringly tailored outfits in perfect fashion, fashioned from expensively dyed expensive materials with expensive embellishments. Naturally a lot of jewelry is present as well but Biran doesn't seem to be aware of any of it, again as is probably to be expected as he has been surrounded by finery his entire life. Given the choice he will tend to wear practical clothing as he's an active young man with a great love of riding and hunting, but for a Lord Holder's boy even 'practical' comes with a weighty price tag that shows.

Parents: Lord Tharandir and Lady Sybi
Brothers:
Sisters:
Other notable family:
Other notable relationships:

Likes: Riding, hunting, jousting, feasting, sparring, general socializing, dancing, music, storytelling....
Dislikes: Book work
Personality: Biran loves people, hunting, riding, feasting, and people. He thrives in lively groups whether as the center of attention or paying attention to somebody else but equally he loves to spend time with just one or two companions having a deep conversation or just trading silly jests. There's an undeniable charm about Biran that perhaps could be trained into a person but in him is all genuine affability and interest in what just about anybody has to say about anything, talk about something and he will listen and contribute where appropriate! If you're not the talkative type he has a thousand stories and topics of conversation of his own that he will happily supply, though he's a savvy boy who can tell when people are losing interest and change tack accordingly.

Some high born folk and indeed some folk in general are quick to accept credit that isn't really due to them but Biran is not one of those folk, indeed he's rather modest in general. Where credit is due to others he is quick to give it in full but when credit actually is due to him he will accept it with thanks and genuine pleasure, especially if it was something he worked hard on or found difficult.

Boisterous and energetic Biran is used to spending his days sparring, hunting, riding, and so on and loves little better than the aforementioned. Any excuse to be out and about in the open air is a good one so far as he is concerned, but doubly so if sport is involved or if stories are being exchanged. Biran has rather less love for sitting around studying. He is a dutiful boy and so he plods through his lessons and so on without too much complaint, but he is easily distracted from such things and has often had his knuckles rapped for daydreaming rather than listening to a tutor.

Though he knows a lot about history, diplomacy, all of that Biran has a distinct lack of 'normal person' life experience and doesn't really understand how life works for most people. He has his duties of course and he has his lessons but he's quite used to the bulk of his time being his own to enjoy, having to work all day every day to make a living is alien to him. He also doesn't know the value of money, at all. He tries to get it but he fails miserably, not quite to the point 'let them eat cake' but he can't really fathom how the other half live, and outside of being polite diplomat boy - ie in the kind of normal social situation candidates are in all day - his ignorance is startling.

Whatever is best for the greater good of High Reaches Hold is what ought to be done; this sounds good and noble but it is not necessarily kind to the individual. Biran firmly believes that all criminals should be punished to the fullest extent of the law, and while he does have genuine sympathy for the poor tithes must be paid to the Weyr and taxes to his father if the world if to work properly. If holders are unable to fulfill their duties in this manner then they must accept the care of another hold as drudges, and their land must be passed into better hands.

It would be a mistake to expect Biran to back down when he believes he's right, for although he has a kind and friendly manner he also has a steely core, the iron clad certainty of the very well bred. He has been brought up to be confident in himself and in his decisions, after all he is being groomed to take on an important role in his father's wher cavalry so he has to be able to stand up for himself and get his decisions respected. Of course this does mean that he can be rather stubborn when he's set his mind on a given course of action, and if he's really sure he's right the only people who can get him to back down are his parents and elder siblings. Listening to other people who may outrank him under the circumstances may well not be a thing that happens.  

[TawnyAngel]

Squiremaster  

[TawnyAngel]

Firelizard

Grace.  

[TawnyAngel]

Relationships

Family


Friends


Acquaintances  

[TawnyAngel]

Inventory

On person
- Sword, often
- Belt knife
- Jewelry
-

In chambers
- Lots of clothes
- Lots more jewelry
- Fancy furniture
- Fancy tapestries and rugs and so on
- Armour
- Lute
- Harp


Around the Hold
- Two runners, a destrider stallion named Arrow and a palfrey mare named Whisper.
- A few personal hunting dogs. His favorite is a lurcher type hound named Firestone.  

[TawnyAngel]

Encounter Log  

[TawnyAngel]

Journal Log

Turn 3
A visit to the Weyr
A fine hunt

Turn 4
Time Marches On
Out of the Past
Dreams

Turn 5
Changes  

[TawnyAngel]

A visit to the Weyr

Today I attended the hatching feast held in honour of Senior Gold Hiraeth's latest clutch. The clutch itself was even more unfortunate than we feared, I believe at least two of them will never be able to serve within the wings but I am sure they and their new riders will find other ways to contribute. Mother and Father are less convinced I fear, and I fancy the less I tell them the better.

With that said, the feast. The Weyr! It is without doubt the most stupendous place I have ever visited. Dragons of every hue flying above me, resting on their ledges, pacing at the edges of the celebration, and the hatchlings moving through the throng! I regret that I was unable to meet the new riders, I would have loved to hear first hand what it feels like to form a bond that deep and to share a mind with a creature as intelligent as you are. I was fortunate enough to meet Weyrmaster Venk and gold rider Shylla however - they were both very gracious - and Weyrleader T'gall! A brown rider no less, quite the upset I gather, but I can certainly see how he did it. T'gall has charm enough for at least five men, I am quite certain of that and also quite jealous and quite in awe! Sadly the feast was somewhat spoiled by the bad grace of the former Weyrleader G'vian, I'm glad that trouble was averted.

I was also lucky enough to be shown around the wherhandlers' quarters by Huntleader Natalya, she reminded me a little of Mother I must say! Their whers are very fine, a little larger than the whers we tend to keep but given that many of them take long patrols whereas ours are intended to defend our Hold the difference is understandable. I am quite taken with their breeding however and I wonder if, when the time comes for me to bond, I might be able to acquire an egg from their bloodlines. As I hope for a green and I am not going to be a small man it would be helpful to have a larger girl!

Even as I consider this however I feel a faint pang, and recall those glorious shapes soaring through the air above me. I should put it out of mind, I am sure of that, but the dream lingers in the face of all duty and practicality. Mother and Father would never approve and in any case I have not been Searched. On the other hand they have other children; I see no reason why my younger brother could not take up a place in the cavalry in time, and I am sure he would love to do so! I don't think I will be unhappy to live that life myself, I love whers dearly and I would be forever out and about in the open air, but I think as long as I am young enough to bond to a dragon my silly daydreams will linger and perhaps even after that. Still, there's no harm in idle fantasy is there?  

[TawnyAngel]

A Fine Hunt

Minus, Garrick, and I returned today after two sevendays' hunting expedition. We had a jolly time of it, though I have a crick in my back from the camping! My new stallion is a marvelous beast, I have decided to name him Arrow for he is swift and true. I am unsure how many leagues we covered in the end but they were many yet he remained willing, even eager until the last. I have given my most profuse thanks to Father for the gift of him, but he replied only that now I am fifteen it is high time I had a fleet steed such as he as well as my sweet Whisper. He did smile though, and warmly, so I think he was well pleased by how pleased I am and pleased too to be thanked.

Ah, but the hunt! We caught absolutely nothing, though we found fresh trace of feral wherries several times and even once prints of an auroch we caught only the smallest glimpse of the former in the feather and none of the latter in the flesh! I can't regret it too much however for the fishing was excellent, we traveled much along the river and the leapers are spawning this time of the turn so the water was fair teeming with them! I have had them stewed, grilled, fried, and probably six or seven other ways on this trip and found each meal as delicious as the first. Minus dared Garrick to eat one raw and he did it! I nearly died with laughter and then Minus and I did the same, it was in fact rather pleasant! Is there anything better than dining on food you have won yourself and cooked yourself - or not! - out under the sky with those you love?

I am glad to be home all the same for I have missed my bed, my parents, and my brothers and my sisters. Mostly my bed though! Tomorrow I shall have a hot bath to ease my muscles, and after that I shall have to catch up on the studies I have fallen behind on during my adventure. No rest for the wicked, eh?  

[TawnyAngel]

Time Marches On

Well, it is decided. Lord Soterenen is to marry my dear sister next turn, when she turns eighteen. It's a good match for her, the best that could be asked for. Igen is prosperous and Lord Soterenen seems like a kind man. My sister will be a Lady Holder, and High Reaches and Igen will both benefit from the closer ties.

Why don't I feel happy?

I suppose I fear the change and I certainly can't imagine being without Sydi. I will miss her terribly when she goes, and I have to wonder who will be next. Syrandir? I suppose it would make sense, and I suspect he may be paired with Ihini, continuing the tradition father began of Lords of High Reaches marrying ladies who have run away to join the wher cavalry. A stronger alliance with Crom would be no bad thing, so I suppose it would make sense. Equally however our parents may decide I should marry Ihini or Hina. Perhaps that's what's bothering me too, I like both of them very well but I don't want to marry them or anyone else for that matter.

I don't suppose I shall be told anything until after Sybira is married though, the wedding itself will be an opportunity for Father to negotiate with other Lords about matches for the rest of us.

For now I shall try to put it out of my mind, there is little I can do about it after all. I know my duty.  

[TawnyAngel]

Out of the Past

Can it be true? Dragonriders come to High Reaches out of the past? The fourth Pass they say, from the Benden massacre. Father has sent men to gather more information, I wish that I could be among them but I have been forbidden. I am afraid I was less than gracious when father told me I was to remain here but I cannot understand the restriction! I know they have little love for riders but surely if he wishes to gather news of this great event it would be sensible to send one of his own family along?

I think perhaps he does not wish me to go because I spoke overmuch of the feast I attended at the Weyr last turn, they must think my head quite turned by dragons. Would that they were wrong. I love whers, I always shall, and I shall be more than glad to bond to one when I am old enough - perhaps as early as next turn - but I cannot help the thrill I feel whenever I see a dragon pass overhead.

And now I hear that there are dragons from another time, living history beyond most of our records! I had half a mind to sneak out and ride hard after the party that has gone to the Weyr but I would not wish to face my parents' wrath when I returned, or was dragged back like a wayward boy. I am not a boy anymore, I am fifteen turns and I must act my age. I have a duty to my Hold, I am a second son and I must bond to a wher to serve and defend my Hold. Dragonriders defend our Hold to be sure but they can show no preference between all the Holds they keep safe, and that is not right for a Lord's boy to contemplate.