Playing It Low Key

Writers: AL, Cali
Date Posted: 29th November 2008

Characters: Y'nub, Bartonn
Description: Y'nub finishes his talk with his uncle that was interrupted by Karri and Teseada.
Location: Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 12, day 7 of Turn 4
Notes: Shadow Cove Hold

Y'nub did a lap around the tavern before going back in, he didn't need any more trouble tonight and if any of those seamen were still around he wanted to take care of them before getting to business. His uncle couldn't have been pleased by the interruption, but he'd felt it was necessary. He scanned the front of the tavern as he walked in as well, but no one looked up at him as he walked past. The show was over and they had their own plans for the night. His uncle was in the back as usual, the corners of the tavern cloaking everyone in shadow.

"Y'nub." Bartonn lifted his gaze as his nephew approached him. Even in the dimness of the tavern it was easy to tell his hair was as black as night and it seemed to try and swallow what little light was left in those shadows. His blue eyes seemed to pierce through that darkness however, holding everything in their gaze captive. No one would guess by looking at him that he was fifty turns in age. A chiseled face, clefted chin and high cheek bones showed little aging and he had been the object of desire of many a woman, leaving many a broken heart behind him. He was tall, taller than Y'nub, but also well built, much like a statue chiseled from rock. His large hands had been clasped together and released one another at the dragonrider's approach. Bartonn leaned back in his chair, his face neutral until he found out whether or not he was going to like what Y'nub had to say.

The dragonrider looked at his uncle with unease. He knew Bartonn wouldn't approve of the attention placed on them by Y'nub's intervention, but he couldn't have just stood by. "The girls are gone, the other men too. They could have caused the guards to become interested in us if I'd done nothing."

"Talk." Bartonn wanted to get to the point. The sooner they concluded their little meeting, the better.

Y'nub sighed, getting on his uncles bad side was not what he wanted to do, but still... "There was a problem with the last drop off. I can't be linked back to any of this. I said I would help, you're family, I know my responsibilities, but I have to play it low key. If people start seeing me, It'll be like up North and I'll have to move again."

Bartonn's eyes narrowed and he leaned forward, hands still clasped to one another. "What sort of problem?"

The rider looked around, no one was paying attention to them, which meant that _everyone_ was listening to every word. "Your man wasn't alone like you said he'd be. At least three others that Larweth saw were watching from afar."

The older man's hands tightened their hold on one another. "I see. Did your dragon happen to say who these people were?"

"No. We never landed, he warned me in time." He knew an incomplete transaction wouldn't look good on his uncle's name, but there wasn't an alternative except killing the watchers.

"I see." Bartonn mulled over the predicament. As annoyed as he was, the boy was right. If word were to get out about what he was doing, Bartonn could lose a very valuable asset indeed. After a few long moments of silence, he asked, "I'll let my man know. When will you be available again?"

"When you need me." Y'nub answered immediately. His uncle would only use him when it was necessary so he was always available to him.

Barton's hands lifted to just level with his chin, his pointer fingers tapping together. "I'll need to get in touch with him. I'll send you a message when I need you."

Y'nub nodded and stood up, making a quick retreat through the dirty tavern. His eyes scanned the dark corners and crevices for danger all the way to the courtyard where Larweth waited for him. It was a habit that many turns had taught him, and one he would never let go lax.

Last updated on the November 30th 2008

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Playing It Low Key